EARLY WORK TO POWER THE PARKES BYPASS

The Parkes bypass is now a step closer, with early works this month marking the start of this project, which will cut travel times and improve freight productivity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said local road upgrades and work on utilities would enable the construction of the bypass, which would realign the Newell Highway two kilometres west of Parkes.

“Once complete, this game-changing project will reduce travel times, improve freight productivity and increase connections to the Special Activation Precinct,” Mr McCormack said.

“The bypass will reduce travel time by up to 10 minutes and increase safety by removing more than 1,200 trucks a day from the town of Parkes.”

New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the planned early work would be delivered by Parkes Shire Council and would support 20 council and contractor jobs.  

“We know how important this bypass is to the local community and to the truckies who use this vital transport corridor – and this work moves us a step closer to construction,” Mr Toole said.

“These early works include upgrading Nock Road to a bitumen surface and closing the road from direct access to the Newell Highway by making it a cul-de-sac.

“A number of utility relocations will also be completed, including upgrading water mains along the length of the footprint of the bypass.”

Further work will involve:

  • construction of a new bitumen road between Thomas Street and Mitchell Street;

  • construction of a new bitumen road between Condobolin Road and Back Trundle Road to replace the existing Moulden Street; and

  • construction of a new section of road between Brolgan Road and Hartigan Avenue.

Work is continuing on the final design for the bypass, with the tender for the work to build the bypass to go out in early 2021. For more information visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/newell-highway/parkes/index.html

The Parkes Bypass project will be co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.

Shane Manning