Finley a fine place for Newell overtaking lane
27 February 2020
Motorists will soon benefit from a new southbound overtaking lane along the Newell Highway near Fullers Road, Finley, bringing the total number of lanes under construction to seven.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project was being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $500 million commitment to improve safety and travel times along the Newell Highway.
“We are powering ahead with our election commitment to deliver about 30 overtaking lanes in four years, with five lanes opening before Christmas, and the number of new lanes to be built likely to now surpass the initial goal,” Mr Toole said.
“This is great news for everyone who travels along the Newell Highway as we create more opportunities to overtake slower vehicles, which will improve safety and deliver travel savings of about 25 minutes along this key corridor.
“By partnering with the Newell Highway Alliance, we are able to deliver these lanes in half the time traditional procurement methods would take.”
Mr Toole said more locations along the length of the Newell, including in the Riverina area, were currently in planning or construction, including the Bundure north and southbound overtaking lanes, north of Jerilderie.
“We are rolling these lanes out as quickly as possible with local motorists and freight operators already seeing the benefits,” Mr Toole said.
“We want these infrastructure projects to drive economic activity in the bush, with more than 100 locals and regional businesses having already benefitted from the program.”
The Newell Highway Program Alliance will start work on the new overtaking lane, around four kilometres south of Finley, from Wednesday, 26 February.
Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and 7am to 5pm on Saturdays, and is expected to be completed in about six months, weather permitting.
Work will also include a suite of safety measures including removing trees, widening the road and installing rumble strips.