Transport Minister Anthony Albanese promises new rest area for truck drivers travelling on the Newell Highway by mid 2012
December 12, 2011
Truck drivers travelling on the Newell Highway have been promised a new rest area by the middle of next year, with work starting today on the site.
The new rest area is being built at Firetail near Grong Grong in NSW and will accommodate up to 20 trucks at a time.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese says the facility is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the lack of modern roadside areas.
“In the years ahead, truck drivers will also benefit from our doubling of federal investment in the nation’s highways as well as the introduction of one set of modern, nationwide heavy vehicle laws from 2013,” he says.
“We’re determined to make the trucking industry even safer and more productive.”
The NSW Government is committing $2 million to the Firetail rest area, and Roads Minister Duncan Gay says it is important to provide rest opportunities for truck drivers.
“Last year on the state’s roads, 75 people tragically lost their lives in 61 crashes involving trucks, many of which were caused by driver fatigue and could have been prevented,” Gay says.
“A right hand turning lane will be installed to allow safe access to the site and local native trees and shrubs planted to provide shade for those using it.”