NSW Government Media Release

Motorists and truck drivers travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway can now enjoy improved amenity, with an upgrade to the Yambie Lagoon Truck Parking Bay and construction of a new rest area on the opposite side of the road now completed.

The upgraded rest area and new facility improve accessibility and offer drivers ample space for a comfortable stop to rest and manage fatigue on their trip, bringing the facility to a formal standard including a flushable toilet, shelter facilities and picnic tables.

Prior to these upgrades, there were no toilets or formal rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres between Walgett and the Cato Bridge Rest Area near Brewarrina – which is around 75 minutes of travel time.

The $1.75 million project was funded through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) and the NSW Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Damien Pfeiffer said the Kamilaroi Highway is an essential route for the movement of people, produce, livestock and other goods.

“As a priority of the NSW Government, Transport is working to improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops in NSW in consultation with the road freight industry,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“The new rest areas are about 230 metres in length, which means they are capable of accommodating the equivalent of five B-Triple heavy vehicles parked at any one time.

“With mandatory rest breaks for heavy vehicle operators, facilities like this play a key role in supporting their safety and wellbeing and that of other road users.”

Mr Pfeiffer said the upgrade delivers much improved facilities for all motorists.

“The provision of toilets, shelters and picnic tables will offer the chance for people to make a comfort stop and take a break, with somewhere to sit out of the weather,” Mr Pfeiffer added.

“Managing fatigue is a vital element in reducing the road toll and facilities like these make it easier and more convenient to rest up for a while, before setting off refreshed.

“The construction of the new rest area on the opposite side of the road reduces turning movements on the highway, improving safety and increasing capacity, providing ample space for freight operators as well as light vehicles and caravans.” 

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/motorists-and-truckies-can-rest-easy-thanks-to-yambie-lagoon