Tenders have gone out for concept designs of the new Western Sydney heavy vehicle rest area just as the replacement for the famous Hume Highway “dustbowl’’ is about to open.
Tenders close on December 15, for the new rest area site near the intersection of Archbold and Old Wallgrove Roads (pictured above).
The goal is to deliver the kind of modern, well-equipped facility that truck drivers have long been calling for in Western Sydney.
The proposed site is strategically positioned close to logistics hubs, including Western Sydney International Airport, Erskine Park, and Marsden Park along the M7 corridor.
Currently there are limited rest areas for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest and Wyong to the north, a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.
Transport for NSW is working with industry to find a number of solutions to ease the burden on drivers needing to rest.
These include upgraded facilities at the Partridge VC rest area near Camden and expanded facilities being built at the twin highway service centre along the M4 at Eastern Creek.
The designs for the Archbold Road site will be guided by feedback from when industry was consulted in 2023. That consultation sought the views of more than 800 drivers on what they needed to better support their rest breaks.
Safety, security and driver comfort will be central to the concept design. This includes well-lit areas for security, CCTV surveillance, and consideration for the specific needs of women drivers.
The rest area should include flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, shaded areas, ample parking with secluded bays for sleeping, and space for potential food options.
The new rest stop is part of an $80 million jointly funded commitment by the Australian and NSW Governments.
In more welcome news for the road freight industry a permanent replacement for “Dustbowl”, the previous informal rest area on the Hume Motorway near Campbelltown will open on December 19.
To be known as the Menangle truck parking bay, this new facility is located along the northbound section of the Hume Motorway in Menangle, opposite to Partridge VC Rest Area site.
This new rest area has been designated for heavy vehicles only and has been designed to accommodate Oversize Overmass (OSOM) vehicles up to 125m long and 8m wide. The site features a 300m deceleration lane, a 575m acceleration lane and a 5000sqm parking area, which is comparable to the former “Dustbowl’’.
“While these OSOM vehicles vary significantly in size, we anticipate anywhere up to seven vehicles may be able to park here at one time,’’ said a Department of Transport spokesperson.
“In response to industry feedback, toilet facilities will be made available at the Menangle Truck Parking Bay by early 2026.
“The new site will also replace a temporary facility at Moolgun Creek.’’