Motorists and freight operators travelling on the Newell Highway north of Moree will benefit from a $181 million major pavement upgrade, with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments investing in smoother, safer and more reliable journeys on one of regional NSW’s most important freight corridors.
The 14.9-kilometre project will deliver a new heavy-duty pavement and a suite of safety improvements to tackle high crash rates and support local communities, industry and freight operators.
The project is backed by $144.8 million from the Australian Government and $36.2 million from the NSW Government.
Early work is expected to begin by mid-2027, with a construction contract expected to be awarded in 2028.
The project will deliver:
- new heavy-duty pavement to improve ride quality and support freight
- wider lanes, shoulders and centreline spacing to improve safety
- upgraded intersections and protected right-turn lanes
- improved drainage and flood resilience
- safer property access
- upgraded bus stops
The upgrade will improve safety on a section of highway with a history of crashes while increasing the reliability and resilience of this critical freight and transport link.
This investment will deliver the next stage of heavy-duty pavement upgrades on the Newell Highway, following completion of the heavy-duty pavement upgrade between Narrabri and Moree in 2025, the North Croppa safety upgrade in 2024, and ongoing work at Tackinbri and South Croppa.
Work is also underway to upgrade the twin Tycannah rest areas south of Moree, improving access to heavy vehicle rest facilities and supporting safer and more convenient journeys for all road users.
Together, these projects will provide continuous upgraded pavement and improved heavy vehicle rest facilities along the Newell Highway from Narrabri to Boggabilla, making one of Australia’s most important freight routes safer, more reliable and better prepared for future demand.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that is used by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.
“With a history of crashes along the highway, this project will deliver wider lanes and upgraded intersections to improve safety and ensure all Australians can return home safely.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the NSW Government to deliver this much-needed upgrade on the Newell Highway.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering practical upgrades that make a real difference for communities, and this project is exactly that.
“The Newell Highway is one of the state’s most important regional corridors, supporting freight, tourism and local travel between Victoria and Queensland.
“These upgrades target some of the most important sections of the Newell Highway to deliver real safety improvements for the people who rely on it every day.
“Once complete, these works will deliver safer, more reliable journeys and help people get home sooner and more safely to family and friends.”
