Local contractors have been invited to tender for the construction of new overtaking lanes, along the Newell Highway between Coonabarabran and Narrabri.
The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the rollout of additional overtaking lanes along this busy freight corridor, with 19 new lanes already delivered, eight under construction and 13 more in the planning stage.
The new overtaking lanes follow plans to improve truck rest areas along the highway, with road improvements, technology improvements and upgraded de-coupling areas also set to form part of the upgrades.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the addition of new overtaking lanes to the Newell Highway was transforming one of the state’s busiest freight corridors.
“Since the start of the program, about 167 local subcontractors and suppliers have contributed to these 19 overtaking lanes and the road safety work we’ve already delivered along the length of the Newell Highway, with eight more overtaking lanes in construction and 13 in the planning stage,” Toole said.
Northbound and southbound overtaking lanes in the Piliga will reduce travel times by 33 minutes along the length of the highway from the Victorian border to the Queensland border.
New South Wales Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said local suppliers and contractors will be able to tender for work for a vast array of goods and services, including plant hire, concrete supply, sealing work, pavement stabilisation and labour hire.
“Initial work on the construction site is due to start in October, weather permitting, with the project due to be completed at the end of 2022,” he said.
The Australian Government has invested in $891.6 million towards the Newell Highway in New South Wales, including $60 million to build additional overtaking lanes, under the Newell Highway Upgrade Program.
This will enable approximately 10 additional lanes to be built, with Commonwealth funding going towards approximately 20 of the 40 new lanes.
Registration to receive tender packages closes 5 October 2021.
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