Industry working with farmers for a smoother, safer harvest season

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The NSW Government is working with farmers, businesses, councils and GrainCorp in the state’s north-west to minimise the impact of work on the $1.7 billion upgrade of the Newell Highway ahead of this year’s grain harvest.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW worked with key stakeholders to develop a traffic plan to efficiently coordinate the movement of grain within construction sites. 

“Everyone wants to ensure the harvest season goes smoothly and safely while minimising delays for heavy vehicles queuing at silos, as work on the highway upgrade continues,” Mr Farraway said.

“Transport will continue to keep the local community informed and will be working with GrainCorp to provide relevant information to local farmers via their communication channels.

“Variable messaging boards are currently in place providing live estimated travel times between Narrabri and Moree to help inform heavy vehicle operators and motorists of expected delays.”

Narrabri Business Chamber president Russell Stewart welcomed the support of Transport in planning for this year’s harvest season.

“This is a very important time of year for local farmers and businesses and we appreciate the support of Transport in ensuring the harvest season runs smoothly on our roads,” Mr Stewart said.

“We understand that the highway upgrade through Bellata will create some delays for truck drivers in getting grain to the receival site but the long-term benefits of the work being done along the Newell Highway will far outweigh the short-term pain.”

Motorists should plan their journey and allow for delays of at least 15 minutes between Narrabri and Moree.

Freight operators and motorists are encouraged to plan their rest stops via nswroads.work/restareas.

Drivers will be able use the Tookey Creek Rest Area as a park-up area as the Woolabrar Rest Area is closed for the next 12 months during the highway upgrade.

“Oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicles should alert the project team on 1800 741 636 (option #3) or email newell.upgrade@transport.nsw.gov.au ahead of their journey so that arrangements can be planned within the construction area to minimise delays.

For more information go to https://nswroads.work/n2m.

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