A serious accident involving a caravanner caused major traffic disruption on the Newell Highway in New South Wales yesterday afternoon … but it is not thought there were any serious injuries.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at Eumungerie, about 38 kilometres north of Dubbo. One of the vehicles was towing a caravan.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson told the Daily Liberal newspaper that a 60-year-old woman was initially trapped in one of the vehicles and, after being released, was assessed by paramedics.
Another man in his 60s was also reported to be uninjured, but was taken to Dubbo hospital as a precaution.
Traffic was affected in both directions.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene of the accident.
The Newell Highway has been the scene of previous caravan accidents and back in June, Transport NSW announced that six new overtaking lanes at three different sites would be built between Coonabarabran and Narrabri.
It said the aim was to reduce travel times and improve safety on a section of road popular with grey nomads.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said the section of the Newell Highway from Coonabarabran to Narrabri through the Pilliga is a regular route for caravanners and heavy vehicles carrying freight.
“This stretch of the highway is long and winding, and it can often be difficult to find a safe place to overtake if you’re stuck behind a truck or caravan,” Mr Coulton said. “As someone who regularly travels along this road, I know just what a difference these new overtaking lanes will make, ensuring journeys are smoother, safer and more efficient for all road users in this part of the state.”
The new overtaking lanes are being be built at Dandry, about 30 kilometres north of Coonabarabran; near the Pilliga Rest Area, about 63 kilometres north of Coonabrarbran; and near the Sir William Bridges Rest Area, about 24 kilometres south of Narrabri. All three projects are expected to be completed next year weather permitting.
NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Farraway said at the time that the overtaking lanes would provide motorists ‘particularly those in retirement who are exploring regional NSW, more opportunities to overtake safely’.
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This highway is a national disgrace and a death trap. The potholes and the general condition of this highway is third world. Typical of all forms of government in this country as they spend billions on city roads and totally forget the country roads. If a few pollies lived in the country things may be different. When you drive the Newell highway you really do endanger your life
The hwy needs a total reconstruction it’s bloody dangerous
Two billion for a new rail line but nothing for the Newell. The hwy from Goondawindi to Narrabri is in shocking condition. Even the trucks are having to swerve around the massive potholes.
Not surprising with the Newel highway. One of the worst roads we’ve driven.
The Newel Goat Track, l refuse to use it regardless of where lm travelling too. Rather drive 100s kilometres out of my may than bounce along the Newel.