Newell Highway Rest Stop

Modus Australia delivered a complete off-grid roadside rest stop solution for Transport NSW and Fulton Hogan on the Newell Highway, featuring a vandal-resistant Yarra 2 toilet building with solar power, holding tank system, and complementary park shelters and table settings for truck drivers and travellers.

Principal:: Modus Australia
Client:: Transport NSW, Fulton Hogan
Product/s:: Yarra 2
Year:: 2025

Newell Highway - Roadside Rest Stop Toilets

The Newell Highway serves as a vital transport corridor connecting Queensland and Victoria, supporting thousands of truck drivers and travellers each year. Roadside rest stops along this route provide essential facilities for driver safety and comfort, allowing for necessary breaks during long journeys. Transport NSW, working closely with Fulton Hogan, identified the need for a robust, low-maintenance toilet facility at a remote rest stop location where mains services were unavailable.

Challenges and Project Needs

Remote roadside rest stops present unique design challenges that require careful consideration to ensure functionality, durability, and user safety. The facility needed to address vandalism and anti-social behaviour, as isolated locations lack the passive surveillance found in urban areas. The absence of constant human presence increases the risk of graffiti and intentional damage that degrades facilities and affects user experience. The design required off-grid capability, as the remote location had no access to mains water, power, or sewerage.

Minimal maintenance was critical, as every service visit to the remote site would be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, the facility needed to provide accessibility for all users, including truck drivers requiring space for changing and families needing baby change facilities. The harsh environmental conditions of the area, including extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and dust, demanded exceptional durability in materials and construction methods.

Roadside Rest Stop Toilets – Off-Grid Modular Amenities on Newell Highway | Modus Australia

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Our Solution

Modus Australia, in partnership with Exteria, delivered a complete turnkey solution for the rest stop. The Yarra 2 toilet building was designed specifically for roadside rest stop applications, complemented by matching park shelters and accessible table settings in a cohesive pale eucalypt colourway.

Vandalism Resistance

The building incorporated multiple features to deter and resist vandalism. Mini-orb internal cladding with its ribbed profile resists impact damage and makes graffiti tagging difficult. Stainless steel fixtures and fittings provide exceptional durability and are easy to clean. Solid core steel-clad doors resist forced entry and damage. An external control box allows maintenance crews to manage systems without entering the building.

Off-Grid Capability

The facility operates completely independently of mains services. A holding tank with septic system manages waste disposal with periodic removal by vacuum truck. Solar panels with batteries and controller provide reliable power for all building systems. A solar-powered DC water pressure pump ensures consistent water pressure from the on-site 8,000-litre rainwater tanks. LED batten lights with motion sensors minimise power consumption whilst providing excellent visibility.

Accessibility and User Comfort

The building includes two Universal Access Toilets with ample space for all users, including those with mobility requirements. Baby change tables accommodate families travelling with young children. Natural ventilation through louvres and gaps under walls creates a fresh environment without mechanical systems. The complementary outdoor facilities include two double Seaside park shelters and accessible table settings, all supplied through Exteria in matching pale eucalypt finishes. These additions provide comfortable rest areas for truck drivers and travellers.

An Outstanding Result

The Newell Highway rest stop provides Transport NSW and Fulton Hogan with a durable, self-sufficient facility that serves road users whilst minimising ongoing operational costs. The prefabricated modular construction enabled fast, accurate installation with minimal site disruption. The comprehensive approach, combining the toilet building with coordinated shelters and seating, creates a cohesive rest stop environment that enhances driver safety and comfort.

Products: Custom Yarra 2

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