The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing road safety across the nation, with the announcement of five new projects in its Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program.
The projects are part of a $17 million a joint initiative between federal, state and local governments, with the Albanese Government contributing more than $14 million.
They are funded through the second tranche of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program (HVRAP), which will provide $140 million of funding over 10 years.
The projects includes the construction of new rest areas with dedicated slip and turning lanes, shelters, landscaping, and connecting footpaths, as well as the upgrade of existing ones from light to heavy vehicle classification with all-weather pavement, solar lighting, and amenities.
The government says projects will be delivered on the Barrier Highway in South Australia, Newell Highway and Sturt Highway in New South Wales, and at Pingelly in Western Australia.
Federal assistant minister for transport and infrastructure, Senator Carol Brown said the Albanese Government’s $14 million investment in improved rest areas is another example of our action towards achieving Vision Zero—zero deaths on our roads by 2050.
“By investing in much-needed rest stops, we will ensure that our truckies spend less time on the roads and get home safely to their loved ones,” said Senator Brown.
“I would like to thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their work in identifying these strategic projects that are essential for the safety of all road users,” Brown added
According to the chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Glenn Sterle the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.
“We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country,” said Sterle.