26 November 2020

Local Tocumwal businesses have helped deliver the latest overtaking lane on the Newell Highway.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new overtaking lane six kilometres south of Tocumwal is part of the NSW Government's $500 million Newell Highway Upgrade Program, which will see 30 new overtaking lanes built over four years.

"It is pleasing to see work on the Newell Highway push ahead, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Toole said.

"The completion of this one-and-a-half kilometre northbound overtaking lane at Chinaman's Road, demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to increase road capacity and safety for the mix of road users.

"This brings the number of overtaking lanes to 15 which have now been completed under the program, with another five overtaking lanes currently in construction.

"Since the inception of the Newell Highway Program Alliance in March last year, we've knuckled down to make sure we've got the right people on the ground to deliver the upgrades, on site and talking to the local community."

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Steph Cooke said the mix of local, Aboriginal, and female workers demonstrates the Alliance's commitment to gender, diversity and community engagement.

"Tocumwal can be proud of the local businesses and workers who played a part in delivering the latest overtaking lane for the Newell Highway," Ms Cooke said.

"One-third of the 87 people employed for the project's construction were Tocumwal locals including 20 subcontractors.

"To complement the expertise of our capable local workforce, the project also used innovative engineering and technology to carry out the upgrade, resulting in minimal disruption for road users and a safer environment for construction workers.

"This included the use of a 'Tiny Surveyor' robot which performs line marking duties, providing a safer work environment by keeping surveyors out of the construction zone and away from live traffic."

Mr Toole said the Australian Government had recently announced an additional $60 million which will now see a total of 40 overtaking lanes built along the Newell Highway.

For more information on the Newell Highway Upgrade Program visit the Newell Highway Program Alliance project page.