New overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway south of Moree are now open to motorists as part of the wider $1.5 billion Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades.
The north and southbound overtaking lanes – and new northbound lane at Bellata – cost $261.1 million in the jointly-funded NSW and federal government project.
The Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:
- The installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata.
- Construction of north-west NSW’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri.
- Improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi.
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.
Construction on the upgrades commenced in mid-2022.
“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators each day,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“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.”
NSW Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler says the new upgrades will greatly contribute to further road safety outcomes in the region.
“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.”
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