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Newell Highway (National Highway 39) - Dubbo to Gilgandra - Former Alignment (Decommissioned)

Statistics:

• Length: 1059 km (Forbes to Dubbo: 151 km)
• Northern Terminus: Queensland Border at Boggabilla
• Southern Terminus: Victorian Border at Tocumwal
• Miscellaneous: Continues as Cunningham Highway (NH39) in Queensland and as Goulburn Valley Highway (A39) in Victoria
• Suburbs, Towns & Localities Along The Route: Dubbo, Brocklehurst, Eumungerie and Gilgandra

Route Numbering:

• Current:  None
• Former: 

General Information:

The Newell Highway is the longest highway in NSW, stretching from the Victorian border at Tocumwal to the Queensland border. It's the economic backbone for freight and livestock transporters, tourism operators, caravanners and holiday makers, emergency services, government, media and business owners. 2

The Newell Highway is named after HH Newell. He was the first commissioner for Main Roads in New South Wales. He passed away in 1941. 3 Prior to his appointment to the newly formed Main Roads Board on March 9, 1925, he was the District Engineer at the Wollongong branch of the Department of Public Works. 4

This page concentrates on the former Newell Hwy alignment between Dubbo and Gilgandra

History:

• 1930s: Aerial investigations carried out to establish the route of the Newell Hwy. 4
• 1938: Route of Newell Highway proclaimed. The route chosen generally followed exisitng roads, but 2 sections between Narrandera and Wyalong, and also between Coonabarabran and Narrabri required fresh construction. 4
• 1950s: Bitumous sealing completed between Finley and Narrandera, plus a deviation near Jerilderie to bypass 2 railway crossings and 2 deviations were constructed between Jerilderie and Narranderra to avoid flood prone areas. Bitumous sealing also occured on improved alignments between Narrandera and Forbes, between Forbes and Dubbo and also north of Dubbo. 4
• 1969: Work begins to complete bitumous sealing along highway length. 4
• August 1973: Sealed surface completed along entire Newell Highway. The last section to be done was between Moree and Boggabilla. 4
• 1 December 2009: Reduction of Newell Hwy speed limit from 110 km/h outside urban areas to 100 km/h. 5

Dubbo to Gilgandra			Gilgandra to Dubbo
Preview:	Description:		Preview:	Description:
	Black ID Sign: Black intersection directional sign at the junction of Darling St (former NR39) and Mitchell Hwy (NR32) in Dubbo. July 2006. This sign has since been replaced. Image © Paul Rands			Reassurance Directional Sign: RD sign on Darling St in Dubbo, November 2011. Image © Paul Rands
				Wingewarra Street: Intersection directional sign at corner of Darling St (former NH39) and Wingewarra St in Dubbo), November 2011. Image © Paul Rands
				Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Mitchell Hwy (NR32), November 2011. NH39 used to turn right and duplex NR32. Image © Paul Rands
				intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at Mitchell Hwy (NR32), November 2011. NH39 used to turn right and duplex NR32. Image © Paul Rands
				intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at Mitchell Hwy (NR32), November 2011. NH39 used to turn right and duplex NR32. Image © Paul Rands

1 Roads and Traffic Authority, Schedule of Classified Roads and State & Regional Roads, 31 January 2011
2 Roads and Traffic Authority, Road Projects, Western Region, Newell Highway
3 Department of Main Roads, Main Roads of New South Wales brochure
4 Department of Main Roads, The Roadmakers, A History of Main Roads in New South Wales, ISBN0 7240 0439 4
5 Roads & Traffic Authority, Rules & Regulations, Newell Highway Reduced Speed Limit

Last updated: 11-Jul-2019 23:46

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