IMPROVED safety and freight transport productivity are on the cards for Moree Plains Shire, with the start of the $122 million Newell Highway upgrade project, south of Boggabilla.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall recently turned the first sod of soil on the project, which is officially the largest roads project in NSW west of Great Dividing Range.
He said both state and Commonwealth governments were investing $61 million each in the road upgrade, which would see 18 kilometres of the Newell completely replaced and upgraded between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla, for the first time since 1973.
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“This is a massive road project, the likes of which our region hasn’t seen for around four decades,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s going to take three years to complete it as the whole highway will eventually be dug up and replaced with a new road surface that’s wider, stronger, has a one-metre dividing line and two new overtaking lanes.”
Mr Marshall said the works would provide a vital economic boost to communities along the route.
“This is a great example of the NSW and Australian governments working together to improve productivity and make roads in the bush safer for truckies and farmers,” he said.
“By reducing travel times and maintenance costs, the upgrade will benefit not just heavy vehicle operators but all motorists.
“Our region relies on the highway to move products from paddock to plate.
“The Newell is a major road link between Queensland and Victoria and this upgrade will improve freight efficiency and reliability. The upgrade will reduce travel times and maintenance costs as well as improve the reliability of this critical freight route.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the upgrade would 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.”
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 www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/western-nsw/newell-highway-mungle-back-ck-boggabilla/index.html.
