Planning will start immediately on 28 new and upgraded rest stops for truck drivers using the State's highways and major arteries.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Roads Minister Michael Daley today announced that their governments would each invest $8 million to increase the number of safe, modern roadside facilities for truck drivers.

This initial $16 million will fund projects throughout NSW including:

The construction of 6 new and the upgrade of 22 rest stops, providing more and safer places for truck drivers to take a break or sleep overnight;

The planning of 1 new rest area and planning for the upgrade of 2 existing rest areas;

The upgrade of 5 informal parking areas; and

5 bridge assessments, ensuring the monitoring of the condition of these important assets and potentially opening up more of the road network to heavier trucks without compromising safety.

Full details of the approved projects are attached.

Mr Albanese said upon taking office, the Rudd Labor Government readily acknowledged the need for more safe, modern rest stops along the nation's highways.

"Since then we have been working with the trucking industry, as well as state and territory governments, to begin fixing this unacceptable situation," said Mr Albanese.

"In fact, our new $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program is the biggest single Federal investment in the roadside facilities used by truck drivers, including new and refurbished rest stops, parking bays and decoupling areas."

Mr Daley said the investment would go a long way towards reducing crashes involving driver fatigue.

"Every year more than 200 people are killed nationally in crashes involving heavy vehicles that's 15-20 per cent of all road deaths," said Mr Daley.

"By working together, the Federal and NSW governments are providing truck drivers with more opportunities to get the rest they need, which in turn is making our roads safer for everyone."

Mr Daley said work would start first on the Newell Highway.

"A new rest area at Mungle Creek and an upgrade of the North Star Road rest area are the first projects to get underway, and they are both due to be finished by the end of the year.

"Overall, this injection of funds will help create and support around 190 jobs across the state over the next two years," he said.

The projects were selected following consultations with the trucking industry.

HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY & PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM

NEW SOUTH WALES PROJECTS