The Port to REZ project will:
- reduce the impact on road users by building pullover bays and coordinating the timing of deliveries
- enable the safe delivery of large components essential to construct and operate renewable energy projects in the REZ
- be carried out in a well-planned and holistic manner to optimise efficiency and coordination
- improve pinch points and intersections along the OSOM route.
Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones route and locations
Pullover bays along the Port to REZ route
As part of EnergyCo and Transport for NSW’s assessment of the Port to REZ route that will be used by OSOM vehicles to transport components for energy developments, eight pullover bay locations have been identified as places OSOM could pull over and let other vehicles pass.
The assessment considered road traffic conditions, travel times, average speeds, driver fatigue management requirements, passing lane requirements, overnight rest places, stopping places for conducting load checks and completing travel diaries, and school times in rural towns.
The purpose of the assessment was to identify suitable locations for OSOM vehicles to pull over based on:
- where OSOM transportation is required to stop for fatigue management and overnight rest in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulation (NSW)
- opportunities for pullover bays to let motorists pass based on a 10-minute traffic delay nominated threshold, in accordance with Transport for NSW Technical Direction – Traffic Control.
The new pullover bay locations aim to keep general traffic delays resulting from OSOM transportation to under 10 minutes.
This 10-minute delay refers to the time a general road user may be delayed by a single OSOM vehicle when unable to pass it on the road. Existing facilities would be utilised for fatigue management and overnight rest.
The new pullover bays will complement existing facilities along the road network, already used for fatigue management and to provide opportunities for traffic to pass.
Existing facilities include formalised heavy vehicle rest stops, overtaking lanes, wide pavement areas at intersections and existing gravel bays.
A map showing the location of the pullover bays appears below.
Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones pullover bay locations
More resources
Work notifications
- June 2025 - Notification: Jerrys Plains pullover bay information session
- June 2025 - Construction commencing: Selwyn St, George St and Industrial Drive, Mayfield North
- April 2025 - Site establishment
- May 2025 - Construction commencing: Quayside Close and Selwyn Street, Mayfield North
- May 2025 - Construction commencing: Lonsdale and Pringle streets, Jerrys Plains
- May 2025 - Construction commencing: Golden Highway and Venegaroy Road, Cassilis
- May 2025 - Construction commencing: Castlereagh Highway and Barneys Reef Road, Birriwa
- June 2025- Early works and site compounds
Working with Transport for NSW
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in place between EnergyCo and Transport for NSW to manage transport related projects and impacts for REZ development.
Travelling through the REZs
The initial Port to REZ routes involve three REZs – the Central-West Orana REZ, New England REZ and the Hunter Central Coast REZ. It also crosses the area identified for the Hunter Transmission Project. You can learn more about these by clicking the cards below.
Latest news
Contractor chosen to deliver first stage of Port to REZ
BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the first stage of works under the Port to REZ Program. These works will include upgrades at 19 locations from the Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong to unlock access to the Central-West Orana REZ. Construction work is set to start in April 2025.
The upgrades will include pavement widening, drainage adjustments, new turning lanes and relocation or adjustment of utilities, depending on the location.
Once delivered, the upgrades will benefit all motorists by reducing delay times, easing travel through intersections, and improving road safety outcomes.
Most upgrades will be completed by the end of 2025, while overall construction is expected to take around 12 months.
The Port to REZ Program will continue to investigate further works across the State, including any additional pullover bays that may be required to move oversize overmass equipment to the Central-West Orana REZ.
Planning the route to the New England REZ
Since early 2024, we've been working with Transport for NSW to investigate the most suitable, low-impact OSOM route to unlock access from Muswellbrook to the New England REZ.
The route will include sections of the New England Highway and Oxley Highway, as well as some local roads.
We're working closely with local councils to understand road use and to seek feedback on route design options. The design will consider options that minimise traffic impacts to Tamworth, Uralla, Walcha and Armidale town centres.
From April 2025, field work will be carried out in the Tamworth area to inform route planning.
Details about upcoming investigation work and community engagement activities are available on the New England REZ page.