Major truck rest area for northwestern NSW underway

Foundation and pavement work have started on the Newell Highway’s newest heavy vehicle rest area.

The rest area will also be the largest of its kind in northwestern New South Wales.

This project will be delivered as part of the $261 million Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades project which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

The Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million, with the remaining $55 million being funded by the New South Wales Government.

This project is part of the Australian Government’s $1.5 billion total investment in the Newell Highway.

The new rest area will feature 18 heavy vehicle parking spaces up to 48.5 metres long providing for short- and long-term parking; 10 light vehicle and caravan parking spaces for short-term parking; toilet facilities, including disabled access; picnic shelter and solar lighting.

Located about 12 kilometres north of Narrabri, the new rest area is a key part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project that is currently being delivered and involves major upgrades to 20 kilometres of road between Narrabri and Moree.

The rest area is expected to be completed by early 2026.

“A well-functioning freight network is vital for economic prosperity, ensuring industries can thrive, supply chains remain resilient, and communities are connected,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of the freight sector and the people who work in it. Part of this is ensuring that drivers have safe and appropriate rest areas.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, who visited the site earlier in the week, said comprehensive feedback provided by the industry had enabled the NSW Labor Government to deliver more facilities like this one which would support wellbeing and fatigue management of heavy vehicle drivers throughout NSW.

“I was impressed with the scope of the works in tailoring around the needs of heavy vehicle drivers, as well as catering for light vehicles and other road users to manage fatigue on the Newell,” she said.

“It was also pleasing to see how the layout of this rest area will deliver a much safer alignment for the road.

“Driver fatigue contributed to at least 20 per cent of heavy vehicle fatal crashes in regional NSW in the five years to December 2023. For the Newell Highway, fatigue is the highest contributing factor accounting for nearly 44 per cent of all heavy vehicle fatal crashes.

“For too long there has been a shortage of rest areas in north-western NSW.”

The Newell Highway provides a major interstate connection between Queensland, NSW and Victoria, and is vital for freight movements, connecting local communities and supporting tourism.

The area is also busy with activity for the new Inland Rail project.

“Currently, outside of Narrabri, motorists and heavy vehicle drivers face lengthy detours for rest areas with toilets – either having to travel 31 kilometres south to the Bohena Rest Area or 52 kilometres north to the Tookey Creek Rest Area,” said State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

“Once completed, this rest area will provide drivers with more options, which will enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs.”