Newell Highway remains closed but work is ongoing

As floodwaters begin to recede, work has commenced on fixing the Newell Highway in two of the six locations impacted.

The Newell was first impacted by floodwaters on September 16, between Forbes and Back Creek.

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Transport for NSW was forced to close the section to light traffic and towing vehicles on October 27 due to significant pavement damage with heavy vehicles allowed continued access to help with movement of freight before the section was closed to all traffic on October 31.

"Transport for NSW has completed repair work at two of six key locations on this closed section with further work planned for the remaining four once the water level recedes enough to allow safe access by crews," a spokesperson for Sam Farraway, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said.

"This road rebuilding work is expected to take several weeks to complete after the flood water recedes, weather permitting.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to accurately predict the timeframe for this flooding event to conclude and allow repairs to commence."

As of Friday afternoon, Transport for NSW reported the Newell Highway is still closed between the Mid Western Highway at Back Creek and Wennings Road, south of Forbes.

Rob Allen, owner of Rob Allen Livestock Transport in Forbes, is one of the many business owners who has said the flooding had significantly added to his travel times.

"It has added at least an hour to any job, sometimes much more," Mr Allen said.

"The extra travel is affecting the business with more wear and tear on the truck and more fuel costs for the same fee.

"It is not only that, but the increased heavy vehicle traffic on back roads is breaking up these surfaces which were never meant to carry these loads."

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