Improved safety and transport productivity are on the cards for the Moree region with the start of the $122 million Newell Highway upgrade.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $61.35 million in the project to support regional economic development.
“The Newell Highway is a major road link between Queensland and Victoria and this upgrade will improve freight efficiency and reliability,” Mr McCormack said.
“The upgrade will reduce travel times and maintenance costs as well as improve the reliability of this critical freight route.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the upgrade of 18 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla in the north of the state would provide a vital economic boost to communities along the route.
“Many towns, farmers and small businesses throughout the Central West, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and western NSW, rely on the highway to move products from paddock to plate,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Upgrading 18 kilometres of this section of the highway will improve freight industry efficiency, resulting in more jobs for regional communities throughout NSW.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the upgrade will provide wider lanes and road shoulders, intersection improvements and new overtaking lanes.
“These works will provide a new road surface to meet the existing and future freight needs along the Newell Highway as well as improve the highway’s flood immunity,” Mr Coulton said.
“A one metre-wide centre line treatment will also be in place to allow more room between vehicles travelling in opposite directions, which will improve safety for all.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the project would take approximately three years to complete.
“This is a great example of the Australian and NSW governments working together to improve productivity and make roads in the bush safer for truckies and farmers,” Mr Marshall said.
“By reducing travel times and maintenance costs, the upgrade will benefit not just heavy vehicle operators but all motorists.”
The Australian Government has committed $61.35 million to the project, with the NSW Government committing $60.65 million.
The Newell Highway is part of the $229 million National Highway Upgrade Program which is set to improve the safety, efficiency and dependability of this vital inland road corridor.
To find out more visit:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/western-nsw/newell-highway-mungle-back-ck-boggabilla/index.html
