Heavy vehicle operators, caravaners and motorists will soon have safer, more accessible places to stop on the Newell Highway, with the final phase of the $12 million Tycannah rest areas’ upgrade now underway (in far northeast inland NSW).
The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are jointly funding major upgrades to the northbound and southbound rest areas, about 17 kilometres south of Moree.
The project will deliver flushable toilets and new amenities, heavy vehicle parking, dedicated caravan parking, better separation between heavy and light vehicles, upgraded access lanes and improved facilities for all road users.
Once complete, the two rest areas will accommodate up to 30 heavy vehicles, giving truck drivers further opportunities to safely stop and manage fatigue on one of the state’s key freight routes.
The Tycannah upgrades are being delivered through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program.
The finalisation of works at Tycannah marks the latest in a series of upgrades to important regional rest areas, improving safety and amenity for drivers across the region.
Crews have also now finished work on the $2.4 million Kyeamba Gap East Rest Area upgrade on the Hume Highway, providing new toilets, improved lighting, accessible amenities, additional heavy vehicle parking and upgraded safety features.
As well, the $1 million upgrade of the Ravensworth Rest Areas at Maude on the Sturt Highway has also been completed, providing safer and more comfortable facilities for motorists and freight operators.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Catherine King:
“The Albanese Government is investing in safer and better rest areas because we know how important they are for the truck drivers who keep our communities and economy moving.
“Tycannah is an important stop on one of Australia’s major interstate freight routes and these upgrades will give drivers modern facilities and more space to take the breaks they need.
“From Tycannah to Kyeamba and Ravensworth, we are working with the Minns Labor Government to make journeys safer and more comfortable across regional NSW.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“Fatigue remains one of the biggest contributors to crashes on our regional roads, so we are providing safe and accessible places for truck drivers to stop and rest in modern facilities that encourage them to take the breaks they need.
“These upgrades provide more heavy vehicle parking, better separation between trucks and other motorists, modern toilets and safer access on and off the highway.
“With work at Kyeamba Gap East and Ravensworth now complete and Tycannah reaching its final stage, we are delivering better facilities for truck drivers across some of the most important freight routes in NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:
“The Albanese Labor Government understands that truckies are vital to keeping Australia moving.”
“This $12 million investment will provide safer, more accessible rest facilities to help drivers manage fatigue and improve safety.”
“By investing in modern rest areas, we’re backing our truckies, strengthening regional freight links and making journeys safer for every driver on the Newell Highway.”
Quotes attributable to Transport Workers’ Union, NSW Secretary Richard Olsen:
“Transport is Australia’s deadliest industry, and we see the effects fatigue has on our members every day.”
“We’ve been consistently fighting for new and upgraded rest facilities on our roads, and the federal and NSW Labor governments have been consistent partners in delivering these facilities since being elected.”
“Drivers work long hours, they keep Australia moving, and they have the right to work safely.
“Better rest facilities like this are an essential part of improving this industry.”
