HAVE YOUR SAY ON PROPOSED PARKES BYPASS

THE Parkes bypass is moving a step closer with the release of a concept design for community feedback.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole were in Parkes today to inspect designs for the project which has joint funding from the State and Federal governments.

“The Nationals in Government are working together to get this vital project done,” Mr McCormack said.

“Locals have told me how important this bypass would be for truckies, farmers, small businesses and people driving through town and – together with the NSW Liberals and Nationals – I am excited to see the project progressing.

“The 10.5 kilometre bypass will improve road efficiency, pedestrian access through Parkes and traffic flow.

“We will see increased reliability of trips for motorists and reduced travel time of up to 10 minutes compared to the existing route through town.

It is proposed the new section of road will be built about two kilometres west of the Newell, between Maguire Road to the north and Barkers Road to the south.

“No matter where you live, we are investing to bust congestion, make country roads safer and help you get home sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.

“The goal is to reduce congestion and delays caused by the two rail level crossings and four 90-degree bends which are difficult for heavy vehicles to safely navigate on the current route,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr Toole said the bypass should remove more than 1000 trucks per day from local streets.

“This will support the interstate freight industry, provide economic growth, and improve access and safety along a vital NSW transport corridor,” Mr Toole said.

“The total freight task on the Newell Highway corridor is estimated to increase from 4.5 million tonnes recorded in 2007 to 11.5 million tonnes by 2029.”

Mr Toole said the bypass would also facilitate connectivity to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct and the Inland Rail.

“Studies show 39 per cent of all light vehicles and an estimated 74 per cent of all heavy vehicles are expected to use the bypass with the remainder continuing to use the existing Newell Highway,” Mr Toole said.

Parkes Shire Mayor and Chair of the Newell Highway Task Force Cr Ken Keith OAM said this is a great outcome for the Parkes Shire community.

“With 1400 trucks passing through the Parkes CBD every day, the bypass will significantly improve the amenity of the Parkes CBD, deliver greater freight efficiencies and productivity, as well as help build a safer road network for all users,” Cr Keith said.

“I encourage our community to provide feedback on the revised Concept Design while it’s on public display in the coming months.”

Local residents, business owners and road users are encouraged to attend the upcoming information sessions to find out more about the project and speak with members of the project team.

The concept design and Review of Environmental Factors will be on display online at rms.work/parkesupgrade at the Parkes Shire Council Administration Centre and Service NSW Parkes from Monday 1 July to Friday 9 August 2019.