The New South Wales (NSW) Government has completed the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, which is designed to improve freight efficiency, road safety and support for areas affected by drought.

Riverina infrastructure, transport and regional development minister Michael McCormack said that the strategy, which is funded by the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government, will ensure that the corridor serves freight industry demands.

He said: “The Newell Highway is one of the most significant freight and tourist routes in New South Wales, providing a major regional freight and passenger transport connection to Victoria and Queensland.

“The strategy delivers an evidence-based ten-year investment roadmap that will inform future investment across the length of the Newell Highway over the long term to maximise productivity gains for freight users on the corridor.”

Planning is currently underway for a A$100m ($67.8m) Parkes Bypass election commitment, with construction expected to begin next year.

Road safety and freight transport assistant minister Scott Buchholz said: “The strategy, developed through evaluation of current and future demand along the corridor, assessment of existing performance and stakeholder engagement, identifies six key corridor objectives.

“These objectives include road and rail solutions designed to meet growing freight efficiency demands and reduce costs for regional supply chains.”

This January, the Australian Government commissioned a strategy to take into account several developments that took place since the Newell Highway Corridor was undertaken by the NSW Government in 2015.

In February, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in New South Wales selected AECOM and BMD Constructions as its strategic partners to build overtaking lanes on Newell Highway.