Minister for regional transport and roads Paul Toole said the new lanes between Gilgandra and Coonabarabran were part of the NSW Government's $500 million commitment to improve safety, reduce travel times and improve freight productivity along the Newell Highway.

"We are powering ahead with our commitment to deliver about 30 new overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway which will save road users 25 minutes of travel time along the highway's length," Mr Toole said.

"This section of the Newell through the Warrumbungles is notoriously slow and the new overtaking lanes will enable motorists to safely pass slower moving heavy vehicles on this steep part of the highway.

READ ALSO:

"Work will include building a new one and a half kilometre overtaking lane at the bottom of Tap Hill and a one kilometre overtaking lane at the top of the hill to close the gap between existing overtaking lanes, as well as the extension of an existing southbound overtaking lane at Redbank to one and a half kilometres - more than double its current length."

Mr Toole said the combination of these projects was great news for the Gilgandra and Coonabarabran communities, visitors, and the freight industry who will benefit from safer and more efficient trips.

So far nine of 30 additional overtaking lanes along the Newell Highway have been completed with another six in construction.

Work at Tap Hill has commenced this week, with work at Redbank starting mid-July. Both projects are set to be completed in seven months, weather permitting.

Work will be carried out between 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm on weekends.