16 October 2020

Suppliers in Forbes, West Wyalong and surrounds are being encouraged to help build more overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway, as part of the NSW Government’s $500 million commitment to improve safety, reduce travel times and improve freight productivity along the highway.

Acting Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said registrations for local involvement were now open to build northbound and southbound lanes near Gullifers Road, about 20 kilometres south of Forbes; a northbound lane near Booberoi Hill, about 18.5 kilometres north of West Wyalong; and a southbound lane near Back Creek, about 19.5 kilometres north of West Wyalong.

“The Newell Highway upgrade progam will deliver about 30 new overtaking lanes over four years along our State’s longest highway, saving road users 25 minutes of travel time from the Queensland to Victorian border,” Mr Toole said.

“We want to see local suppliers and labour help the project team carry out this work because we challenging times. Since the start of the program, about 80 local contractors and suppliers have contributed to the 12 new overtaking lanes we’ve already delivered along the length of the Newell Highway, with seven currently under way.

Work on the next three overtaking lanes is set to start before the end of the year, and will take about six months to complete, which is six months of additional work in the local community.”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said an online information session for prospective contractors and suppliers would be held next week.

“I’m encouraging local businesses and contractors to join that session to find out more about the opportunities on offer. We are letting suppliers know well in advance of upcoming projects so they can register early with the Newell Highway Program Alliance,” Ms Cooke said.

The online information session, hosted by Transport for NSW, will be held on Wednesday, 21 October 2020 from 5.30pm, and team members will be available to answer questions about the upcoming projects and services needed.

To register your interest in attending the session, email the NHPA team at tenders@newellhpa.com.au. The community will be kept informed as work on the Gullifers Road, Booberoi Hill and Back Creek overtaking lane projects progresses. For more information about the program, visit nswroads.work/nhpa, email info@newellhpa.com.au or call 1800 577 295.