On 31 July 2011, the open road speed limit for light vehicles along most of the Newell Highway changed to 110 km/h.
Speed limits on the Newell Highway
The 110 km/h speed limit applies to light vehicles (cars and motorcycles) only. Speed limits for heavy vehicles, buses and coaches, and other special purpose vehicles on the Newell Highway remain unchanged.
The length of road from Tooraweenah to north of Coonabarabran, was unaffected by the increased speed limit and remains speed zoned 100 km/h. In addition several shorter lengths have been identified to remain 100 km/h. These will be clearly signposted. The current speed limits in townships also remain unchanged.
About the Newell Highway
The Newell Highway is the longest highway in NSW, stretching 1060 kilometres from the Victorian border at Tocumwal to the Queensland border at Goondiwindi. It is a National Highway managed by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) for road work and maintenance.
Safety review and work
After a safety review published on the Newell Highway in 2009, the Government allocated an extra $30 million to implement a package of road safety work in a three year period (2009-2012).
The package of work is making the highway safer for all road users and includes road safety engineering, road user behaviour, technology and enforcement programs. This includes:
- New line marking and signposting.
- New wide centreline at two lengths north of West Wyalong and north of Parkes.
- Upgrades to a number of minor intersections.
- Dedicated turning lanes at identified intersections.
- Sealing alongside roads on the approaches to the highway.
- Installing safety barriers where roadside hazards cannot be relocated or removed.
Where can I find out more about the Newell Highway safety work package, the 2009 safety review and NSW speed zoning guidelines?
You can view all these documents on Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website. They can be viewed or downloaded from the following links: