The Parkes Bypass project, one of the largest transport infrastructure projects in New South Wales’ Central West region, is now complete.
The new 10.5-kilometre-long section of the Newell Highway allows drivers and freight operators to get from Dubbo to Forbes without navigating the Parkes town centre, removing up to 1,200 trucks per day from local streets and busting congestion in the regional hub.
The Parkes Bypass project has also delivered two new bridges in the transport network, as well as a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The first bridge, Burral Bridge, crosses the new alignment of the highway along Victoria Street.
The second bridge, Sir Henry Parkes Bridge, spans Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor.
Other key features completed include northern and southern tie-ins, a T-intersection on London Road, new shared user path and a link road which will be named Brolgan Road.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, stressed the benefits that the Parkes Bypass will deliver to the area.
“This project improves safety, cuts travel times and strengthens one of the most significant freight routes in the country,” she said.
“It will help keep goods moving and our regional economies strong.”
Additionally, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said these kinds of developments are integral to improving the quality of life in regional areas.
“Communities have been calling for a Parkes Bypass for decades,” she said.
“By removing up to 1,200 heavy vehicles a day from the heart of Parkes, we are strengthening the safety and liveability of the town and supporting local businesses to thrive.
“This is exactly what building better regional communities looks like.”
In other news, $50 million of resilience works will be invested into a flood prone section of the Bruce Highway in North Queensland.
