Businesses in Narrandera, Grong Grong, Ardlethan and surrounding areas are being encouraged to help build overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway, as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $500 million commitment to improve safety, reduce travel times and improve freight productivity along the highway.
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said registrations for local involvement were open, with work on projects near Landervale Road and Willows Road, south of Ardlethan, to start in coming months.
“The Newell Highway upgrade program will deliver about 30 new overtaking lanes over four years along our state’s longest highway, saving road users 25 minutes of travel time from the Queensland to the Victorian border,” Mr Toole said.
“We want to see local suppliers and labour help the project team carry out this work because we know how important it is to keep jobs and money in the regions.
“Since the start of the program, about 80 local contractors and suppliers have contributed to the 12 new overtaking lanes we’ve delivered along the length of the Newell Highway.”
NSW Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said an online information session for prospective contractors and suppliers will be held on Tuesday evening.
“I’m encouraging local businesses and community members to join that session to find out more about the opportunities on offer,” Ms Cooke said.
“We are letting suppliers know well in advance of upcoming projects so they can register early.
“Other upcoming opportunities include a southbound overtaking lane near Gillenbah Forest, south of Narrandera, and north and southbound overtaking lanes near Firetail rest area, north of Grong Grong, which are due to start over the next six months.”
The online information session will be held on Tuesday, August 11 from 5.30pm, and team members will be available to answer questions about the upcoming projects. Locals can register their interest in attending the session by emailing the Newell Highway Program Alliance team at tenders@newellhpa.com.au.
Transport for NSW will keep the community informed as they progress. For more information about the program visit nswroads.work/nhpa, email info@newellhpa.com.au or call 1800 577 295.