The bridge over the rail lines and Hartigan Avenue. Image: TfNSW
Traffic has moved onto the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass, which is expected to increase road safety and freight efficiency, and remove up to 1200 trucks from local streets.
The new 10.5-kilometre section of the Newell Highway has been built to allow motorists to bypass Parkes.
Jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, the entire upgrade to the network to support Parkes Bypass expected to be completed over the coming months.
“The Australian Government is investing in the future of regional New South Wales, contributing 80 per cent of the funding for the Parkes Bypass as part of our $1.5 billion commitment to upgrading the Newell Highway,” said Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neil. “The Parkes Bypass is a key part of our vision for a stronger, safer and more connected Newell Highway, and this is just one of many upgrades delivering lasting benefits for local families, farmers and freight operators.”
The following traffic changes will remain in place for up to three months:
The main access between Parkes and the Bypass will be the Condobolin Road roundabout, which opened to traffic in all four directions on April 15.
Access to and from the Bypass will also be possible from London Road, however, this access will be under temporary traffic controls.
Sections of the existing Newell Highway will be restricted at the north and south ends of Parkes:
o North: The existing Newell Highway will be closed between the rest area and Maguire Road. Southbound vehicles will be able to access Parkes via Bogan Road while northbound vehicles will use the bypass from the Condobolin Road roundabout.
South: The existing Newell Highway will be closed between Saleyards Road and Barkers Road.
The Over Sized Over Mass (OSOM) route will be the new Parkes Bypass.
Heavy vehicles wishing to travel east will be required to travel on the state road network MR61 (Hartigan Avenue extension).
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison has this week driven along the new 10.5-kilometre section of the Parkes Bypass.
“We want to strengthen our regional communities by ensuring they have the infrastructure they need to get them where they need to go safely and efficiently, this project is a big step in that direction for the local community,” she said.
“Thank you to all of the workers who made this possible and will now start on three months of finishing works.”
[signup]
The post Milestone for $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project appeared first on Big Rigs.