Newell Highway

The full length of the Newell Highway is now open to Performance Based Standards Level 2B vehicles up to 30 metres long. The final missing link between Parkes and Forbes has been removed with access approved over two railway level crossings south of Parkes, giving end to end access for the full 1060 km to vehicles travelling at GML, CML and HML.

These larger vehicles perform the same or better than a B Double while offering significantly improved productivity. The vehicles undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are stable at high speeds and have the same ability to accelerate and brake safely as current heavy vehicles. The additional length of the vehicle means it can carry more freight without any additional mass on individual axles. This will result in less heavy vehicles on the road by delivering the same amount of freight in less trips.

For more information please visit Road access webpage.

Roads and Maritime supports the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to process notices and permits for heavy vehicles in NSW and national road freight.

Further information can be obtained from the NHVR website.

The Newell Highway connects the state's Victorian and Queensland borders and benefits the townships of Berrigan, Jerilderie, Urana, the Riverina, Coolamon, Narrandera, Bland, Weddin, Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Narrabri and Moree Plains. It is the economic backbone for freight and livestock transporters, tourism operators, caravanners and holiday makers, emergency services, media and business owners.

The NSW Government has invested $500 million into upgrading the Newell Highway.

The strategy addresses the current and future needs of the corridor, including support for greater use of freight vehicle movement.

View or download the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy (PDF, 29.35 MB).

• 22 November 2021

  Newell Highway overtaking lanes boost freight.

• 30 July 2021
  Newell Highway project powers strong trainee engagement.

• Tap Hill overtaking lanes join up to form the longest on the Newell Highway

• March 2021 - Wider, smoother Newell on the way at Finley

• February 2021 - Pilliga Newell Highway work boosts safety, jobs

• November 2020 - $203M Newell Highway rebuild south of Boggabilla powers ahead

• July 2020 - Overtaking lane doubles to cut travel time

• July 2020 - Stimulus accelerates Newell Highway upgrades

• June 2020 - New overtaking lanes for Newell Highway in Warrumbungles

• February 2020 - Finley a fine place for Newell overtaking lane

• December 2019 - Newell Highway overtaking lanes power ahead

• December 2019 - Telescope, Peak Hill next to benefit from Newell works

• August 2019 - Bundaburrah overtaking lanes take off

• August 2019 - Last chance to have say on proposed Parkes bypass

• June 2019 - Newell overtaking lanes at Marthaguy

• January 2019 - Additional overtaking lanes make overtaking on Newell Highway safer

• November 2018 - Have your say on Newell Highway intersection upgrade at Narrabri