Safer, more efficient trucks will be travelling through Coonabarabran from next month with the NSW Government approving access for higher productivity vehicles on the Newell Highway.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said allowing road trains up to 36.5 metres through Coonabarabran is a significant step towards achieving end-to-end access for these vehicles on the Newell, and unlocking access for about 180 kilometres between Narrabri and Tooraweenah.

“About 900 trucks travel through Coonabarabran each day so this is a great outcome for the community as it means fewer trucks are needed to move the same amount of freight,” said Toole.

“It is another example of the NSW Government working to make it easier and more efficient for regional businesses to get their products to market.”

Road trains carrying hay in support of drought relief have been safely travelling through Coonabarabran since August 2018. Following a detailed review, higher productivity vehicles will now have the same access.

“The NSW Government is making significant improvements to the Newell Highway for all road users, with upgrade work taking place along 18 kilometres of the highway just south of Boggabilla as well as the upcoming addition of about 30 new overtaking lanes,” said Toole.

A Transport for NSW representative attended Warrumbungle Shire Council’s Community Consultation meeting earlier this week (28 October) to discuss the benefits of higher productivity vehicles and expanded access for road trains through Coonabarabran.