The Newell Highway Taskforce Committee has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to accelerate funding to support construction of the Parkes Bypass and the delivery of the Inland Rail.
The Australian Government’s $200 million contribution is in addition to the NSW Government’s commitment announced earlier this year. The project is set to commence next year.
“Not only will these works have long term benefits for road users and transport efficiency gains, local procurement will get a significant weighting in the tender process will directly assist the drought affected communities along the route,” said Chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce, Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM.
The RMS continues to refine the design of the Parkes Bypass following the latest round of community consultation.
Seven new overtaking lanes are under construction along the Newell, with an ad- ditional 30 scheduled for the next three to four years.
Work is well advanced on the 9km stretch south of Boggabilla, with $280 million heavy duty pavement on the black soils between Narrabri and Moree to com- mence next year.
Following community consultation, the eastern version of the Coonabarabran By- pass was preferred. Road trains are now able to travel through the main street as an interim measure.
A detailed study into the 2016 Newell Highway flooding is set to be completed, which will identify priority works for the near future.
The Newell Highway Taskforce will make representations to ARTC and Inland Rail to have the dangerous Tichborne crossing grade separated to increase safety on the Inland Rail route. Concerns were also raised by Narromine Shire concerning trucks using Narromine as an alternate route.