Planning ahead to limit highway upgrade’s impact on harvest

This year’s harvest season will move into full swing from about October 9 when a large number of truck movements are expected each day in and out of GrainCorp’s grain receival site at Bellata, where work is continuing on a $261.17 million upgrade of the highway between Narrabri and Moree.

Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Damien Pfeiffer said it was important to work with stakeholders to ensure the impacts of the highway upgrade on grain trucks are minimised, including delays for drivers accessing the GrainCorp site.

“Once completed, the Newell Highway upgrade will deliver smoother, safer journeys for all road users on this key regional route but, as work continues, there will be some unavoidable inconveniences for motorists and harvest operators,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“Work at Bellata is progressing well with a new pavement upgrade of a 4.4 kilometre stretch of highway, and lead contractor Fulton Hogan and Transport have been working closely with local residents, farmers and businesses to ensure we manage traffic control and pedestrian traffic appropriately.”

As part of the work, alternative arrangements are in place to access the BP Service Station and harvest operators need to be aware of these changes. 

“These changes, which have been in place over the past few months, mean all heavy vehicles over 32.5 metres long accessing the BP directly from the Newell Highway must use the left/southern bowsers to prevent vehicles protruding into traffic lanes while they refuel,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“Variable Message Signs are already in place on the Newell Highway to inform drivers of these changes.”

“Additional signage along the highway during the harvest season will remind drivers to be patient, slow down and take care on the road this harvest.”

Harvest operators and other motorists should plan their journey and allow for delays of at least 15 minutes between Narrabri and Moree during the harvest peak.

“We urge all motorists to be patient, to drive to the conditions, follow the direction of signs, and to share the highway this harvest season,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“Over-size over-mass vehicles should alert the project team on 1800 741 636, option #3, or email NewellHighwayWideLoads@fultonhogan.com.au ahead of their journey so that arrangements can be planned within the construction area to minimise delays.

“Drivers should continue to use the Tookey Creek Rest Area as a park-up area as the Woolabrar Rest Area remains closed until the rest of the year.”

The Newell Highway will improve safety and connectivity for all motorists in the state’s north-west, and support 640 jobs during construction.

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