Photo caption: Transport for NSW Acting Director West Paul Polansky, Moree Plains Shire Council Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse and Mayor Mark Johnson, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, NSW Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway and Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Ron Campbell.

Work is forging ahead on the largest-ever heavy duty pavement upgrade of the Newell Highway, between Narrabri and Moree.

Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd has been selected through a competitive tender process to carry out 27.3 kilometres of heavy-duty pavement upgrades along four priority sections of road.

Construction is set to start in mid-2022.

The Australian Government has committed $205.7 million towards the jointly funded $261.17 million project, with the New South Wales Government contributing the remainder.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project would improve connectivity for all road users, particularly freight operators.

“This upgrade will provide significant benefits to motorists travelling inland between Queensland and Victoria,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The Australian Government is committed to investing in safer and more productive regional roads as part of our record $110 billion, nationwide infrastructure plan.

“These crucial upgrades will help to connect regional businesses to local and international markets, and better link up regional communities – to help secure a brighter economic future for our regions.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the work to be carried out by Fulton Hogan would focus on building the 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, including at Clarks Gully.

“The project will reduce travel times, improve freight productivity and improve access along the Newell Highway, as well as to the future Moree Special Activation Precinct and Northern NSW Inland Port at Narrabri,” Mr Farraway said.

“We are really thrilled to have Fulton Hogan on board and are confident they are the right people for the job.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this is an exciting project for the Narrabri and Moree communities and will help the region take advantage of Inland Rail which is steaming ahead.

“This section of the Newell Highway is located within one of the most productive agricultural regions in Australia, so it’s critical that this road is up to scratch to ensure our farmers can more efficiently get their product to market, while improving safety and efficiency for all road users,” Mr Coulton said.

Mr Coulton said the project was one of many infrastructure projects currently underway in the region.

“We’ve already delivered the jointly funded $122 million upgrades along the Newell Highway from Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla, which saw extensive local employment and valuable Indigenous participation,” Mr Coulton said.

“We’re also delivering the $44 million Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade and the $7.75 million Northern NSW Inland Port at Narrabri, which are due to be completed next year, as well as the jointly funded Moree Intermodal Overpass, connecting the Newell Highway and Inland Rail.

“In addition, work on the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail is progressing well.

“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the infrastructure projects that matter to locals, businesses and freight.”

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the Newell Highway plays a significant role in keeping the region connected, keeping freight moving and benefits the state economy.

“It is fantastic to see even further investment from the State and Federal governments into this critical piece of infrastructure,” Mr Marshall said.

“It is also really exciting to see local contractors involved with this project because when we employ locals the whole community benefits.”

Work on the heavy duty pavement upgrades between Narrabri and Moree are expected to commence in June 2022 and be completed in late 2025.

For more information on the project visit https://nswroads.work/n2m.