Rest area upgrades delivering safer journeys for truckies

The NSW Government is providing $11.9 million toward works to improve road safety by providing truckies in the state’s south access to upgraded rest areas.

  • Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australia’s transport industry.
  • Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly Deals on Wheels magazine.
  • Sell your truck with Australia’s #1 truck classifieds

Five heavy vehicle rest areas have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure, and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.

The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.

“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers,” says transport minister Jenny Aitchison.

“The Minns Labor Government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”

Along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways, Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at several service centres to allow heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.

Independent member for Murray Helen Dalton says she’s happy the Murray region is receiving upgraded truckie facilities.

“When our heavy vehicle drivers are safe, it contributes to safer roads for all road users,” she says.

“Rest areas support truck driver health, safety and wellbeing, and compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.”

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program.

Earlier this year Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.

Read more:

Check out the Deals on Wheels Facebook here.

Send this to a friend