PARKES COMMUNITY OVER THE MOON AS BYPASS TAKES GIANT LEAP

Construction of a new bypass west of the existing Newell Highway in Parkes is powering ahead and will provide a huge boost to the local economy, with local contractors encouraged to find out how they can get involved.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said building the 10.5-kilometre Parkes Bypass will support more than 400 jobs once major construction begins next year.

“The Australian Government is committed to this important project, which will cut travel times, improve freight productivity and enhance the town’s amenity by removing more than 1,200 trucks a day from the town centre,” Mr McCormack said.

“The new bypass will provide a better, more efficient and safer road connection for local and interstate motorists travelling on the Newell.

“In the 2020-21 Federal Budget, we announced $149.7 million in funding to this project because we understand how important this project is to the local community and the economic benefits it will bring will be significant."

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said local suppliers and contractors are invited to learn more about how they can be involved in the delivery of the Parkes Bypass with an online information session to be held next week.

“Early works have begun and we are now inviting locals to learn more about how they can become involved with small tenders to be released in 2021, followed by tenders for the bypass road and bridge construction to keep this program moving forward,” Mr Toole said.

“We really want locals to be involved in the building of this important infrastructure project, which will have huge flow-on benefits for the local community as it recovers from drought and the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Early work has been under way since September, including optic fibre relocations with Nock Road reconstruction now complete and the Reedsdale Road extension – connecting the western ends of Thomas Street and Mitchell Street – expected to be completed this month, so we’re now getting ready to move to the next phase.”

An online information session will be held via Facebook at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15 December to outline upcoming opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

To register to attend the industry online information session visit nswroads.work/parkesupgrade or email newell.upgrade@transport.nsw.gov.au

The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $149.74 million to the project, and the NSW Government committing the remaining $37.44 million.

Shane Manning