The Australian and New South Wales Governments are jointly funding a $1.75 million upgrade to a rest area between Walgett and Brewarrina in north west New South Wales.
Set to begin early in 2025, the upgrade to the Yambie Lagoon Rest Area will encourage rest breaks for heavy vehicle drivers on long trips.
The rest area is located around 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina on the Kamilaroi Highway.
According to the Australian Government, there are currently no toilet or rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres in this remote location.
The upgrade, part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, is therefore expected to benefit heavy vehicle drivers and other motorists upon completion.
“Rural freight routes such as the Kamilaroi Highway through this region are essential for the movement of produce, livestock and other goods, and we respect that these corridors are the workplace of heavy vehicle drivers,” said NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
According to Aitchison, the upgrade will ‘transform’ the existing informal rest area on the eastbound shoulder of the Kamilaroi Highway heading towards Walgett.
The project will involve building toilet and shelter facilities as well as picnic tables and extended parking for heavy and light vehicles.
It will also provide similar facilities in a new heavy vehicle rest area on the westbound shoulder of the highway, ensuring there are facilities for traffic in both directions and eliminating the need to turn around to stop and rest.
By providing opportunities for drivers to stop and rest, the Australian and NSW Governments are working towards reducing fatigue-related crashes in the far west region of the state.
“Upgrading the Yambie Lagoon rest stop near Brewarrina will improve productivity for drivers of heavy trucks and reduce the likelihood of heavy vehicle crashes due to fatigue, but it will also benefit anyone who has to do the long haul in that part of the world,” said State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.
In other news, a major milestone has been reached on the West Gate Tunnel Project.
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