21 April 2020

A new northbound overtaking lane on the Newell Highway at Telescope, about 15 kilometres north of Parkes, will provide faster and safer journeys for all road users.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new overtaking lane was the eighth of 30 new overtaking lanes planned for the Newell to improve safety, reduce travel times and improve freight productivity.

These new lanes will save 25 minutes of travel time between the Victorian and Queensland borders along one of our most important freight corridors; Mr Toole said.

While we are encouraging people to cancel any non-essential travel during the evolving COVID-19 situation, we are powering ahead with vital infrastructure projects with the appropriate safeguards in place, because we understand their long-term value to regional communities and the jobs they create.

About 28 locals were involved in delivering the Telescope project with more than 100 local contractors and suppliers contributing to the new lanes we've delivered along the Newell.”

Work is continuing on new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes near Pilliga, about 15 kilometres north of Coonabarabran, as well as a southbound lane on Fullers Road, four kilometres south of Finley, northbound and southbound lanes at Bundure, 38 kilometres north of Jerilderie, and a southbound lane at Peak Hill, about 49 kilometres north of Parkes.

For the safety of staff and the local community, work is now being carried out on a two-week roster to minimise travel for offsite workers and reduce the risk of exposure.

Revised work hours include 10 days on and four days off each fortnight. Work hours will include:

• 7am to 6pm between Tuesday and Friday of the first week,
• 8am to 6pm of the middle weekend
• 7am to 6pm between Monday and Thursday of the second week.

A four-day break will then take place before the rotating roster starts again the following Tuesday.

These changes will be in place at the four active work sites: Pilliga, Fullers Road, Bundure and Peak Hill.

Transport for NSW is following the directive of NSW Health and is proactively addressing the situation as it evolves with expert advice from health and operational professionals.

Changed traffic conditions still apply at these construction sites for the safety of workers and road users, including reduced speed limits, which may affect travel times.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.