The Newell Highway Taskforce Committee has supported the Australian Government's holistic approach to planning for future of the Newell Highway corridor.
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In its 2019 Budget, the Australian Government committed $510 million to deliver targeted upgrades on the Newell Highway, between Toowoomba to Seymour as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative - $300 million has been committed to the New South Wales section.
Planning is underway and the Department of Infrastructure Regional Development held community consultation sessions at Narrandera, Gilgandra, Parkes and Narrabri.
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Chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce Committee, Cr Ken Keith OAM said "the Newell Highway is a critical link in Australia's freight transport network, so it is great to see the Federal Government investing in targeted upgrades to increase access for higher efficiency freight vehicles, which will increase the overall efficiency of the corridor, as well as safety for all road users."
At the last meeting of the Newell Highway Taskforce held at Murrumbidgee Council at Jerilderie on February 11, members heard from Robyn Legg from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications about discussions with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) regarding grade separation of the Inland Rail on new and existing level crossings.
Furthermore, Transport NSW's Acting Director for Western NSW, Alistair Lunn provided updates on projects.
An additional $75 million committed for the heavy duty pavement work below Boggabilla. The project involves widening the existing formation, providing an improved heavy duty pavement and constructing two overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla.
The Review of Environmental Factors (R.E.F) for the Parkes Bypass has now been released, including economic and social impacts. The concept design for the bypass was presented to the community in July and August 2019. More than 100 people made formal submissions about the concept design, with several changes to the plan being made.
