It's one of the most important road projects in the region for a very long time, and it's set to get underway.
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The $187.2 million Parkes bypass for the Newell Highway to deliver safer, more efficient journeys along the Newell Highway is taking shape, with three packages of work kicking off on the project this month.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Parkes Bypass would divert more than 1200 heavy vehicles and other through traffic from the centre of Parkes each day.
"The Parkes Bypass is not only going to improve journeys for all motorists on the Newell Highway, but it will also inject millions into the Parkes economy, whilst creating 25 local jobs," he said.
"With many communities, farmers and businesses across the region relying on the highway to get their products on shelves, remain connected to jobs and vital services like health, this latest update will be welcome news.
"We are getting critical projects, such as this, moving right across the nation under our record $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline which is a key pillar of Australia's economic recovery," Mr McCormack said.
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NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the next stage of works signalled the Parkes Bypass was powering ahead, with major construction to start later this year.
"From this week, crews will install more than 12 kilometres of fencing over about 10 weeks to create a work zone and provide a boundary for the future road corridor," Mr Toole said.
"Work will also start on laying about 12,000 tonnes of reinforced concrete to protect high-pressure gas pipe throughout the bypass footprint by providing a physical barrier and distribution of load.
"There are six concrete slabs in total to be delivered as part of early work, the largest of which will be more than 100 metres long.
"The concrete will eventually be paved over for the creation of the new 10.5-kilometre road," he said about the important project.
Works have also begun on the final local road package to connect Hartigan Avenue and Brolgan Road, which will open to traffic when the bypass is complete.
Work is being carried out on weekdays between 7am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm, weather permitting.
The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $149.7 million and the New South Wales Government $37.4 million.
Major work is scheduled to start by the end of the year.
For more information on the project visit nswroads.work/parkesupgrade.
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