Parkes has moved one step closer to seeing work begin on the $168 million Parkes Bypass project with the release of a concept design for community feedback.
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Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole were in Parkes last week to inspect designs for the project which has joint funding from the State and Federal governments.
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Mr McCormack said he encourages people to take part in community feedback.
"I appreciate when you build a bypass there are going to be concerns from businesses about whether foot and vehicle traffic will continue to go past their business and indeed come into their business," he said.
"That's why community feedback is so important. We want to hear from the Parkes community about what they think about their bypass. We will certainly take that feedback on board."
Mr Toole said the bypass should remove more than 1000 trucks per day from local streets.
"This will support the interstate freight industry, provide economic growth, and improve access and safety along a vital NSW transport corridor," he said.
"The total freight task on the Newell Highway corridor is estimated to increase from 4.5 million tonnes recorded in 2007 to 11.5 million tonnes by 2029."
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Parkes Shire Mayor and Chair of the Newell Highway Task Force Cr Ken Keith OAM said council is looking forward to seeing the revised plans go on display.
"I think we have to make sure Parkes becomes a destination on the Newell Highway and people come into our town and that we have services on that bypass that are able to accommodate travelling tourists," he said.
Council purchased 38 hectares of land along the proposed Newell Highway bypass route in 2017 after several parties expressed interest in developing the land, including constructing a highway service centre.
Roads and Maritime Service Director Western Region Alistair Lunn said after talking to the community for a number of years about the project it's great to see it moving on and getting to the next stage.
"It's a really exciting thing for Parkes," he said.
"It really goes along side the activation precinct. One of the main features is a bridge suitable for double stacked trains which is what we anticipate inland rail will be running.
"We are really future proofing this for the growth we will see in Parkes with the special activation precinct."
Mr Lunn said there are some homes adjacent to the bypass route.
"We will be talking to those residents and we will treat those homes with appropriate noise mitigation measures where needed," he said.
Meet the project team
The project team will be available to discuss the concept design and Review of Environmental Factors at the following locations:
Clarinda Street, Parkes (in front of Discount Dave's):
- Tuesday 2 July 2019, 10-1pm
- Wednesday 10 July 2019, 10-12pm
- Thursday 18 July 2019, 11-2pm
- Monday 22 July 2019, 10-12pm
- Wednesday 31 July 2019, 10-1pm
- Thursday 8 August 2019, 11-2pm
Metro Plaza:
- Tuesday 2 July 2019, 3pm - 6pm
- Wednesday 10 July 2019, 1pm - 4pm
- Thursday 18 July 2019, 5pm - 8pm
- Monday 22 July 2019, 2pm - 5pm
Parkes Arbour (between Coles and Target)
- Wednesday 31 July 2019, 3pm - 6pm
- Thursday 8 August 2019, 3pm - 6pm
You can also view the Review of Environmental Factors and concept design at the following locations:
Parkes Shire Council Administration Centre, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes.
Service NSW, Parkes, 51-55 Currajong Street, Parkes.
For more information visit: Parkes Bypass