Early works have started on the upgrades and construction of the Kamilaroi Highway rest area improvements in western NSW.
The current Yambie Lagoon truck parking bay on the eastbound side of the Kamilaroi Highway about 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina is being upgraded, while a new rest area will be built on the opposite side of the road.
Upgrades to the existing rest area will include the installation of toilets, shade facilities, bins, picnic tables and the extension of heavy and light vehicle parking capacity.
The newly built rest area will be constructed with similar amenities to ensure motorists travelling in both directions have access to a rest stop.
When completed, the rest areas will be roughly 230 metres in length and will possess the capability to house the equivalent of five B-Triples parked at any one time.
Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies says it is hoped the facilities can contribute to reducing the frequency of fatigue-affected crashes on the state’s roads.
“Fatigue is one of the top three contributors to serious heavy vehicle crashes on NSW roads, so these improvements will offer drivers potentially a life-saving rest stop,” she says.
“Currently there are no toilet or rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres – or 75 minutes of travel time – in this remote location.
“I’m sure all motorists are looking forward to taking the opportunity to rest and freshen up before hitting the road again.”
Pavement, signage and line marking work has started and is expected to take four weeks to complete, weather permitting. Work will be carried out between 6am-7pm on weekdays and on alternate weekends. Work on weekdays may not take place on consecutive days.
A 40 km/h speed limit will be in place during work hours along a one kilometre stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway at Yambie Lagoon. Outside work hours the speed limit will be 60 km/h in both directions.
The existing rest area will be closed during work.
The $1.75 million project has been funded by $1.4 million through the federal government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and $350,000 through the NSW government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program.
“Transport for NSW is working with the road freight industry to improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops across the state,” Holly says.
Exact dates and traffic impacts for further works are currently unknown.
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