In the past 12 months, the Newell Highway between Coonabarabran and Gilgandra has witnessed a troubling increase in fatal crashes, raising concerns about road safety along the vital regional route.

According to preliminary data provided by Transport for NSW, three fatal crashes occurred between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. These incidents occurred between Borambitty Road, Coonabarabran, and north of Milpulling Road, Gilgandra.

The fatal crashes involved a total of four vehicles, comprising two trucks and two cars. Among the casualties, all three deceased individuals were drivers of the motor vehicles involved.

Distressingly, fatigue emerged as a significant factor in all three crashes, but speeding was not implicated in any of the incidents. The accidents occurred in various locations, with two single-vehicle crashes in Gowang and one multi- vehicle crash occurring in Tooraweenah.

Comparatively, over the previous 12 months there was no record of any fatal accidents along this stretch of the Newell Highway, but in the preceding year, between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022, one fatal crash was recorded.

Transport for NSW has been actively engaged in road maintenance and safety enhancement efforts along the Newell Highway. Various projects including heavy patching, culvert and drain cleaning, roadside slashing and guardrail repairs have been undertaken between Coonabarabran and Gilgandra since April last year.

The installation of 38 new overtaking lanes and several safety upgrades, such as widening shoulders and centre lines and installing audio- tactile line marking, was completed along the corridor between 2019 to 2023.

Despite these initiatives, the recent surge in fatal accidents underscores the need for sustained vigilance and further action to address road-safety concerns.

Transport for NSW conducts routine road inspections twice weekly and collaborates closely with NSW Police to enforce traffic laws and target enforcement in areas with higher instances of crashes. Specific factors contributing to accidents on this particular section of the highway are under investigation.

In response to these challenges, Transport for NSW continues to implement measures aimed at improving road safety, with campaigns targeting at-risk groups such as young drivers, older road users, and heavy-vehicle drivers. Additionally, ongoing collaboration with local authorities and communities facilitates the identification of road safety issues and the development of targeted solutions.

Looking ahead, Transport for NSW remains committed to enhancing infrastructure and implementing initiatives to mitigate road-safety risks along the Newell Highway. The agency advises drivers travelling on this section of the highway to adhere to speed limits, drive according to conditions, and remain vigilant for signs of driver fatigue.

Furthermore, efforts to increase enforcement of traffic laws and speed limits are under consideration to further enhance safety on this vital regional thoroughfare.