An 18-kilometre stretch of the Newell Highway just south of Boggabilla in northern New South Wales is set to get a facelift following the award of the contract for the major project.
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Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Newell Highway – Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla heavy duty pavement construction project would improve safety and boost productivity.
“The Newell Highway is the longest highway in New South Wales and provides a major freight and tourism link between Victoria and Queensland,” Mr McCormack said.
“This project is part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's $229 million National Highway Upgrade Program and will improve the safety, efficiency and dependability of this vital inland road corridor.”
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New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the investment in the Newell is a further part of the two Governments’ focus of making country roads safer.
“By working together, the NSW and Federal Governments are making roads in the bush safer and more efficient, so people can get home sooner and truckies and farmers can get their product from paddock to plate more efficiently,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We all know how vital safer country roads are and the investment from the State and Federal Government is helping deliver the upgrades our region deserves.”
Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said work was expected to start by late 2018, weather permitting.
“Upgrades to the Newell Highway will reduce travel times and maintenance costs, which is a win for not only the freight industry but all motorists,” Mr Coulton said.
“It will also help ensure the Newell Highway can meet future freight needs, supporting regional and local economic development.”
State Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said this project was made possible through the $500 million Newell Highway Fund which is part of the NSW Government’s 10-year plan to invest in new infrastructure funded by the electricity network transactions.
“The project will deliver 18 kilometres of upgraded road including re-surfacing, widening the highway’s lanes to 3.5 metre-wide in each direction and providing wider road shoulders, intersection improvements and two new overtaking lanes,” Mr Marshall said.
“The upgrade will also include a one metre-wide centre line treatment to allow more room between vehicles travelling in each direction, improving safety for all motorists travelling along this important section of road.”
The Australian Government has committed $2 million for the development of a Newell Highway Corridor Strategy.
The strategy will identify priority upgrades on the Newell Highway to increase freight productivity, improve safety for all road users, and support the economic growth of communities along the corridor.
The Newell Highway – Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla Heavy Duty Pavement Construction is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
