NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said “The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry.
The biggest roundabout in central west New South Wales will be built on Condobolin road as a key feature of the Parkes Bypass.
The Newell Highway bypass of Parkes has been in planning for decades to alleviate the constant flow of heavy freight vehicles and visitor traffic passing through the town.
The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million to the $287.2 million project, with the remaining contribution being made by the NSW Government.
The project is part of the $1.5 billion investment from the Australian and NSW governments into the Newell Highway Corridor, with the Australian Government committing $1.1 billion.
State Member for Orange Phil Donato said “It’s fantastic to see this once in a generation Parkes Bypass project progressing.
“Also importantly, this project is not only delivering road and transport benefits — it’s also supporting 350 jobs and injecting vital funds into small businesses in Parkes and the broader Central West region, which is bouncing back stronger than ever after unprecedented floods.”
Construction work to build the new 98-metre-diameter roundabout started during the July school holidays.
The large roundabout – which will allow motorists to travel at 80 km/h – will also feature a large sculpture in its centre, which has been designed in collaboration with Parkes Shire Council.
Motorists will be detoured around the site during work. For further information on the Parkes Bypass you can visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass