Local businesses, suppliers and contractors are invited to tender for work to build new overtaking lanes along the Newell Highway between Coonabarabran and Narrabri.
The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the rollout of additional overtaking lanes along this busy freight corridor, with 19 new lanes already delivered, eight under construction and 13 more in the planning stage.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road works would help boost local economic activity while delivering a safer, more efficient highway.
"The Liberal and Nationals Government's record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan is about delivering the infrastructure Australians need while driving economic growth," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"We are helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery.
"These upgrades are another example of Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton's determination to deliver for the people and businesses of his region."
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the addition of new overtaking lanes to the Newell Highway was transforming one of the state's busiest freight corridors.
"Since the start of the program, about 167 local subcontractors and suppliers have contributed to these 19 overtaking lanes and the road safety work we've already delivered along the length of the Newell Highway, with eight more overtaking lanes in construction and 13 in the planning stage," Mr Toole said.
"We want to see even more local suppliers and workers help deliver the latest overtaking lanes at the Pilliga because we know how important it is to keep jobs and money in the regions, especially during these challenging times."
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Australian and New South Wales governments' commitment to fund new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes in the Pilliga will improve safety, boost freight productivity and reduce travel times by 33 minutes along the length of the highway from the Victorian border to the Queensland border.
"On top of delivering major safety and efficiency gains, the project will create jobs for local suppliers and contractors, which is going to provide an economic boost for Narrabri, Coonabarabran and the surrounding communities.
New South Wales Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said local suppliers and contractors will be able to tender for work for a vast array of goods and services, including plant hire, concrete supply, sealing work, pavement stabilisation and labour hire.
"I'm encouraging as many local businesses and contractors to find out more about the opportunities on offer to help build these overtaking lanes," Mr Farraway said.
"Initial work on the construction site is due to start in October, weather permitting, with the project due to be completed at the end of 2022."
