New overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway between Coonabarabran and Narrabri in New South Wales are a step closer to being built following the release of tenders where local contractors, suppliers and businesses are encouraged to get involved in.
The Australian and State Governments are jointly funding the delivery of additional overtaking lanes on Newell Highway.
These works will not only provide a safer and more efficient highway, but will also help boost the local economy.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan is about delivering the infrastructure Australians need while driving economic growth.
“We are helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting economic recovery,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
The new overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway will help transform one of New South Wales’ busiest freight corridors.
Currently, 19 new lanes have already been delivered with eight still under construction and 13 more in the planning stage.
“Since the start of the program, about 167 local subcontractors and suppliers have contributed to these 19 overtaking lanes and the road safety work we’ve already delivered along the length of the Newell Highway, with eight more overtaking lanes in construction and 13 in the planning stage.
“We want to see even more local suppliers and workers help deliver the latest overtaking lanes at the Pilliga because we know how important it is to keep jobs and money in the regions, especially during these challenging times,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said.
The joint funding that will build new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes in the Pilliga will boost safety and productivity along this busy corridor as well as help reduce travel times by about 33 minutes throughout the length of the highway from the Victorian border to the Queensland border.
“On top of delivering major safety and efficiency gains, the project will create jobs for local suppliers and contractors, which is going to provide an economic boost for Narrabri, Coonabarabran and the surrounding communities,” Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said.
Local suppliers and contractors are being urged to get involved in the delivery of this project that includes tender opportunities for a wide array of goods and services such as plant hire, concrete supply, sealing work, pavement stabilisation and labour hire.
“I’m encouraging as many local businesses and contractors to find out more about the opportunities on offer to help build these overtaking lanes.
“Initial work on the construction site is due to start in October, weather permitting, with the project due to be completed at the end of 2022,” NSW Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said.
For interested suppliers or contractors, you can register your interest by sending an email to tenders@newellhpa.com.au. Registration to receive tender packages will close on 5th October at midnight.
To date, the Australian Government has committed approximately $891.6 million towards the Newell Highway, which include $60 million for overtaking lanes to be delivered under the Newell Highway Upgrade Program.
The entire Newell Highway Upgrade – Overtaking Lanes project will deliver about 10 additional lanes, with Commonwealth funding to deliver around 20 of the 40 new lanes.
The Newell Highway Program Alliance - comprised of BMD and AECOM, in partnership with Transport for NSW – will be overseeing the construction of these new overtaking lanes. This strategic partnership will enable the delivery of 40 additional overtaking lanes in a span of four years, which is half the duration to fund and built the projects using a traditional procurement method.
Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Roads & Infrastructure Australia