Funding locked in for next stage of Newell Hwy heavy-duty pavement upgrades

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing $181 million to deliver the next stage of heavy-duty pavement upgrades on the Newell Highway north of Moree, which will provide smoother, safer, and more reliable journeys on one of the most important freight corridors in regional New South Wales.

The project will span 14.9 kilometres and will deliver a new heavy-duty pavement alongside a suite of safety improvements to address high crash rates and support local communities, industry and freight operators.

The Australian Government has committed $144.8 million towards the project, with the New South Wales Government providing $36.2 million.

“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,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

Early works are anticipated to commence by mid-2027, and a construction contract will 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 works will help improve safety on a section of the Newell Highway with a history of collisions while, at the same time, increase the reliability and resilience of this critical freight and transport link.

This next stage of heavy-duty pavement upgrades builds on the Newell Highway upgrades between Narrabri and Moree completed in 2025, the North Croppa safety upgrade completed in 2024, and the ongoing works at Tackinbri and South Croppa.

In addition, upgrades to the twin Tycannah rest areas south of Moree are underway to improve access to heavy vehicle rest facilities as well as support safer and more convenient journeys for all road users.

Together, these projects will provide a continuous upgraded pavement and improved heavy vehicle rest facilities along the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Boggabilla – making this important freight route safer, more reliable and better prepared for future demands.

“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 completed, these works will deliver safer, more reliable journeys and help people get home sooner and more safely to family and friends,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW