Work has begun on upgrading a number of heavy vehicle stopping bays along New South Wales’ Golden Highway to further encourage regular breaks and reduce driver fatigue.
In coming weeks upgrade work will start at:
• the existing eastbound stopping bay at Dunedoo
• new westbound stopping bays at Elong Elong, 37 kilometres west of Dunedoo
• near Spring Ridge Road, 28 kilometres west of Dunedoo
• Boothenba, 30 kilometres east of Dubbo

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said adequate and frequent stopping bays along the Golden Highway will help manage heavy vehicle driver fatigue by providing drivers with stops at regular intervals along the route.
“These upgrades will improve safety for truck operators and motorists through the area, helping cope with significant freight traffic increases expected across New South Wales over the next 20 years,” Mr Coulton said.
“Work recently started to upgrade the existing eastbound stopping bay near Spring Ridge Road, 23 kilometres west of Dunedoo; and at the westbound stopping bay at Uarbry, 38 kilometres east of Dunedoo.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said heavy vehicle driver fatigue has been identified as a major contributor to road crashes, making these upgrades priority projects.
“The Australian Government is investing $23.8 million in these important safety upgrades under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme and we are pleased to partner with the New South Wales Government to deliver this project,” Mr Chester said.
“This is just one example of the Australian Government investing in critical road infrastructure, in partnership with state, territory and local governments to help save lives on the nation’s roads.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said work at the stopping bays will include resurfacing, line marking, sign posting, and providing shelters and bins.
“Work will also start later this month on new stopping bays at Warkworth in the Hunter for freight vehicles travelling in both directions and planning work is also under way for new stopping bays on Willy Wally Road westbound, 11 kilometres east of Cassilis and in each direction between Denman and Gungal.”
New South Wales member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said: “I welcome the ongoing investment into the Golden Highway, it is very important to our Upper Hunter communities for business and safety.”
Roadside signage will advise heavy vehicles of the stopping bay closures as works progress. The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($23.8 million) and the New South Wales Government ($23.8 million).