Works begin on $261M Newell Highway upgrade

Map of section 1 of the Newell Highway upgrade. — Section 1 of the upgrade. Image: Transport for NSW.

Major works have started on the $261 million upgrade of the Newell Highway in New South Wales, beginning with several intersection upgrades and three new overtaking lanes.

The project, a joint investment between the Federal and New South Wales governments, will widen and strengthen 27.3 kilometres of road along four priority sections between Narrabri and Moree.

Sam Farraway, NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, said the New South Wales Government was delivering a safer and stronger road network.

“This upgrade will have significant benefits for motorists including reduced travel times, better access during and after wet weather and improved freight productivity,” he said.

“We are investing in what matters to our local community and making our network safer to help make sure everyone out on our roads gets home safely.”

The upgrade involves building entirely new sections of road as well as five new overtaking lanes, two new heavy vehicle rest areas, intersection upgrades and multiple new bridge-sized culverts for improved drainage.

The work, led by contractor Fulton Hogan, has commenced along the first two sections, including an eight-kilometre stretch about three kilometres south of Moree, and a 4.5-kilometre stretch about 46 kilometres north of Narrabri.

Catherine King, Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, said the Federal Government was committed to delivering resilient and reliable transport.

“Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth, and I look forward to seeing local communities and motorists using this stretch of the Newell Highway reap the benefits as construction gets underway,” she said.

The Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrade forms part of the Federal and New South Wales governments’ $1.7 billion commitment to upgrading the state’s longest highway with inland connections to both Victoria and Queensland.

For more information, visit: transport.nsw.gov.au