Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open following a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments.
The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections.
The project will also upgrade 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.
The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades are expected to reduce future maintenance requirements and costs, improve the highway’s flood resilience and improve freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
Construction on these upgrades began in mid-2022.
The Federal Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.
“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King.
According to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison the Newell is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.
“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west,” she said.
“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are pleased to be working together to improve road safety and reduce travel times for motorists who travel on this critical national highway.”
NSW Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the mix of road users travelling on the Newell Highway means it’s not uncommon for faster moving vehicles to come up behind slower moving heavy vehicles or holidaying caravaners.
“The provision of extra overtaking lanes is a vital safety initiative that helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces some of the frustration that can come from not being able to safely pass,” he said.
The works include new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata.
The new overtaking lanes are expected to improve regional travel, especially during the end of year school holiday period and lead to improved efficiency for freight operators who use the Newell Highway.