$287M Parkes Bypass project enters new construction phase

Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project in New South Wales are one step closer to opening, with girders to support the bridge decks having been lifted into place.

The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.

Preliminary work including construction of the abutments at either end of both bridges is now nearing completion, and two giant cranes were recently been transported to the bypass site to lift six 60-tonne girders into place at each of the bridges.

The girders have been added to the 30 other girders which were installed in October last year.

“All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland.”

When completed, the Parkes Bypass will reduce travel times and improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway, as well as improving pedestrian access through Parkes and benefitting traffic flow in and around the town.

According to NSW Government spokesperson for Orange, Stephen Lawrence, the project has been in high demand from locals for quite some time.

“The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered,” he said.

“Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway – it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”

The project is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments which are contributing $229.7 million and $57.4 million respectively. 

In other news, the Australian and Queensland Governments have announced the completion of the new Gympie Bypass, a long-awaited project which began 15 years ago.