Australian Government Unveils New Rest Stops for Truck Drivers

Australian Government Unveils New Rest Stops for Truck Drivers
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New rest stops are opened to truck drivers by the Australian Government, ensuring the long-haul routes are safer and more comfortable. This initiative promises better development of infrastructure for the road transport industry.

There are new rest stops emerging with increased demand for better facilities addressing preeminent challenges. What does this mean for the future of road safety? Stay tuned until the end.

Truckies can Take a Load Off at New Rest Stops

The Australian Government, in a steadfast commitment to road safety, is making significant strides to ensure all truck drivers and all road users are safe. The announcement of six new projects under the fourth HVRA round shows this plan in action.

These projects are part of a $17.4 million joint investment between the Federal and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian Government contributing $9.7 million.

The HVRA program has $140 million in federal funding over 10 years to build and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas, address the shortage of rest stops in key locations, and improve road safety for large and small fleet drivers.

Trance Four Projects: New Rest Stops Across Australia

Projects funded under tranche four include new rest areas with toilets and picnic areas, resurfacing, line marking and bitumen sealing. The funded projects are:

  1. Maranoa Shire Council, Queensland: Resurface the heavy vehicle truck stop at the Roma Truck Stop Area.
  2. Queensland: Design and build a new heavy vehicle rest area at Homestead West on Flinders Highway.
  3. Narromine Shire Council (NSW): Upgrade Tomingley heavy vehicle rest area.
  4. New South Wales: Upgrades to Ravensworth Eastbound and Westbound rest areas on Sturt Highway.
  5. Yarriambiack Shire Council (VIC): Upgrades to nine existing truck parking bays in the Yarriambiack Shire.
  6. South Australia: Stuart Highway Rest Area Upgrade at Arcoona and new heavy vehicle rest area at Pimba.

“These are just another example of the Australian Government’s commitment to driver safety and the road transport industry,” said Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee Chair, Senator Glenn Sterle.

Mr. Sterle further said, “I am pleased the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is delivering heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas.

We are committed to keeping our freight operators and communities safe. These new and upgraded rest stops will help truckies manage their fatigue as they do their job of keeping our country moving.”

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One of the New Rest Stops Replacing the Old ‘Dust Bowl’

After the ‘Dust Bowl’ on the Hume Highway at Menangle, NSW, was closed nearly a year ago, construction has started on a new rest area for truckies.

The Dust Bowl, an unofficial parking bay and rest area, was closed in February 2024, much to the dismay of truckies.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has now started building a new oversized, overmass and heavy vehicle rest area on the northbound side of the Hume Motorway at Menangle, opposite the Partridge VC Rest Area.

“We have promised truck drivers hard-working truck drivers that facilities and options in and around Sydney will get better,” said Minister for Roads John Graham.

Mr. Graham also said, “By replacing the informal Dust Bowl rest area, we are providing a safer place for truckies to stop, park and stage their long hauls.”

The construction team expects to finish the site by the end of June 2025, weather permitting. According to TfNSW, the new rest area will also feature safety installations such as acceleration and deceleration lanes. The Moolgun Creek stopping area will remain open for OSOM drivers during this time.

Work will be done between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, from January to March. An 80 km/h speed limit will apply through the Hume Motorway construction zone during standard hours, 40 km/h near live traffic or during night work.

Furthermore, Mr. Graham said, “Northbound lanes will close for concrete barriers and line marking, with a 3km contraflow to keep traffic moving. Thanks for your patience!”

It is one of many projects Transport is doing to improve heavy vehicle facilities in Western Sydney, including our promise to deliver a new Western Sydney rest stop. We’ve listened to industry feedback and are looking at six potential sites for the new rest stop,” Graham said.

Joint Media Release upon Kyeamba Gap Work Rest Areas Upgrades

Drivers can look forward to seeing significantly improved rest stop facilities on the Hume Highway between Tarcutta and Holbrook. This month, work will commence on the Kyeamba Gap Work Rest Areas, promising a better experience for all road users.

A $1.8 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will see the northbound rest stop’s composting toilet replaced with flushing toilets, disabled access, and improved lighting.

The southbound rest stop currently has only bins and will have a new toilet block with disability access.

Both rest stops will have new lighting and extra parking for heavy vehicles. Work will start on the northbound rest area first and will be finished by March 2025, weather permitting. To reduce inconvenience, we will be installing portable toilets for everyone’s use.

The southbound rest area will be closed later in 2025, and alternative rest areas will be available at North Billabong (southbound) and South Tarcutta (northbound).

The team expects to finish the site by the end of June 2025, weather permitting.

They will permit property access during construction work. They will also install safety measures like ropes, fences, and signs. The measures ensure that all drivers maintain safety during the upgrading process.

Leaders Support on Upgrading Kyeamba Gap Rest Areas

In a statement, Senator Anthony Chisholm told, “these will make a big difference to drivers and truckies on the Hume Highway with toilets now open, new lighting and more parking.”

During the interview, Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, stated, “Driver fatigue is one of the top three causes of fatal crashes on NSW roads. These projects will improve facilities and encourage drivers to rest.”

Dr Joe McGirr, one of the NSW members for Wagga Wagga, also said, “Factor rest into every journey. These Kyeamba Gap rest stops are a reminder to drivers to stop and refuel before you go.”

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