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.
Construction work to build the new 98-metre-diameter roundabout will start 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 visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government, is pleased to have committed significant funding to this first exciting part of the project to safely bypass the Parkes CBD from the busy Newell Highway.
“Our Government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“The Parkes Bypass will take more than 1,200 heavy vehicles and other traffic away from the town centre every day, improving travel times for thousands of motorists and making the CBD of Parkes more accessible.
“I’m thrilled to see work get underway on the giant Condo Road roundabout; it represents significant progress on a project that has been decades in the making.
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to build a better Parkes and a better Newell Highway for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deb O’Neill:
“The new roundabout will provide safer and more efficient passage for motorists and heavy vehicle operators.
“Not only that, it will become a local tourist landmark as part of the travelling experience through the central west of New South Wales.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Orange Phil Donato:
“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.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence:
“The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry.
“Not only will Parkes benefit from its progression, but the entire Central West will too and the thousands of motorists from across Australia that use the Newell Highway every day.”
