From today, the north-west region’s largest heavy vehicle rest area is open thanks to investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.
The opening marks the completion of a three-year project to upgrade the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, with all sections of the highway now open to traffic.
The jointly funded Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade was made possible with a $205.73 million investment by the Albanese Government and a $55.44 million Minns Government contribution.
The project spanned more than 20 kilometres along this important regional freight route. The upgrades have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, creating a safer and more efficient journey for all drivers.
These upgrades have been delivered across four priority sections:
- 8 kilometres of pavement upgrades south of Moree as well as a new culvert at Clarks Gully to improve drainage, and upgrades to the Burrington Road, Tapscott Road and Wallanol Road intersections which were completed in December 2024.
- 4.4 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Bellata, plus upgrades to Temi Road, North Street, Wilga Street and Oak Street intersections, completed in February 2025.
- 5.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Edgeroi as well as upgrades to the Smithfield Lane Intersection, completed in June 2025.
- 2.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades north of Narrabri) in addition to a new culvert at the Murrumbilla Lane Intersection, completed in August 2025.
The pavement upgrades have involved stripping the road back to base level before repairing, reconstructing and resurfacing the road in order to make it smoother, safer and more resilient.
The final completed element of the over $261.17 million project is the massive Spring Creek Rest Area. The new rest area provides short and long-term heavy vehicle parking for up to 18 vehicles, as well as separate parking for light vehicles and light vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.
The area also provides access to amenities including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins.
The whole area is illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity of the rest area to provide shade.
Crews working on the upgrades between Narrabri and Moree have used 3900 cubic metres of structural concrete, 8900 tonnes of asphalt, 700 tonnes of structural steel and 575,000 tonnes of pavement material and gravel, and moved 100,400 cubic metres of earth.
Despite losing 118 days of work during the three-year project due to bad weather, the project has remained on track throughout.
While major construction work has been completed, some minor work remains including fencing and installation of guard rail and signage, as well as applying the final seal to the upgraded areas in early 2026.
For more information visit Newell Highway upgrade Narrabri-Moree pavement upgrade.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This section of the Newell Highway is an essential freight corridor and the Albanese Government’s $205 million investment will make the journey safer for truck drivers, locals and people passing through on long road trips.
“Thank you to all road users for their patience as this massive project was undertaken and also to the 970 workers involved in completing the upgrades.
“The new Spring Creek Rest Area will help truckies to better manage their fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“This Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project completion is an incredible achievement and a credit to our Transport for NSW team, lead contractor Fulton Hogan and the residents and commuters of the area who showed great patience throughout the past three years.
“The jointly funded program has reached this milestone despite crews needing to battle extreme weather, floods and bushfires.
“A highlight of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade program has been a focus on employing local staff, providing not only a significant boost to local infrastructure but also a massive injection to the local economy.
“The NSW Government values the safe, sustainable and productive movement of freight throughout the vastness of the state and acknowledges the difficulties heavy vehicle drivers face when finding a
safe and reliable area to rest, park, and access services.”
Senator for WA Glenn Sterle:
“As a former truck driver and current Chair of the Albanese Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, I am very proud to see this investment from both the Federal and NSW Government.
“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia.
“I commend both the Albanese and Minns’ Governments on their vision for this project and their commitment to improving conditions for our essential truckies.”
Labor Duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence:
“This upgrade supported local businesses, provided local jobs, and now delivers safer roads for our north west communities.
“The project inducted more than 970 workers, involved more than 60 local businesses, and more than 800,000 hours worked.
“Northwest locals are better connected on our roads, truck drivers will be better rested, and locals can feel safe getting home.”
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:
“The Newell Highway is a major transport artery running from Queensland down through central NSW, much of it through Barwon, down to Victoria. It is fantastic to see the completion of these upgrades
to the highway, which will significantly increase safety and improve the efficiency of this vital roadway.
“One of the impressive things about the upgrade was that it has put money into the local economy, by using than 60 local businesses to supply goods and services, from water and equipment to accommodation and catering.
“There was also an emphasis on Aboriginal employment and business engagement. The project has brought a range of benefits to the local community and will continue to be of benefit to all who rely on the highway.”
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said the councils were leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program, which is the first of its kind in the region and responds to community feedback.