Foundation and pavement work have started on the largest pending heavy vehicle rest area in north-western New South Wales as part of the federal and state governments’ $261 million Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade works.
The rest area will be located roughly 12 kilometres north of Narrabri and 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
- Rubbish bins
- Tree planting and landscaping
The rest area is expected to be completed by early 2026 and is part of the federal government’s wider $1.5 billion investment in the Newell Highway.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchson says the facility will be tailored to the needs of heavy vehicle operators as works progress.
“For too long there has been a shortage of rest areas in north-western NSW and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing in new state-of-the- art facilities, which will reduce driver fatigue, improve road safety, and make journeys more comfortable for all drivers,” Aitchson says.
“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.
“On a visit to this site last week, 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. It was also pleasing to see how the layout of this rest area will deliver a much safer alignment for the road.
“I am grateful to the freight industry for their comprehensive feedback, which is enabling the NSW Labor Government to deliver more facilities that will truly support wellbeing and fatigue management of heavy vehicle drivers throughout NSW.”
Once completed, the new rest area will negate the need for drivers to take comprehensive detours just to find a toilet on the Newell Highway.
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler says it’s important to keep upgrading the vital freight route to make travel easier for heavy vehicle operators.
“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,” Butler says.
““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.
“Once completed, this rest area will provide drivers with more options, which will enhance safety and reduce maintenance costs.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King added it is important freight operators continue to gain financial support in the form of road upgrades and investment.
“A well-functioning freight network is vital for economic prosperity, ensuring industries can thrive, supply chains remain resilient, and communities are connected,” King says.
“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.”
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