The new design of the Parkes Bypass now includes a bridge between Victoria Street and Back Trundle Road over the Newell Highway.
The design of the Parkes Bypass has been changed to include suggestions received from community feedback.
The project now includes a bridge between Victoria Street and Back Trundle Road over the Newell Highway for light vehicles, school buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
More than 100 members of the community made formal submissions about the design. The majority were concerned about the local traffic impacts between Victoria Street and Back Trundle Road for traffic going to the Parkes Christian School. There were also concerns about the potential economic impacts to the town.
Parkes Christian School (PCS) Principal Glen Westcott said on the school’s Facebook page this week: “We have received some exciting news regarding the Parkes Bypass. The announcement of this light vehicle and pedestrian/cyclist overpass is a wonderful step forward for our school in staying connected to the town of Parkes via a direct and safe access over the by- pass. It is also a huge vote of confidence in PCS by our local Council who have shown extraordinary support for our cause right from the beginning.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new Parkes bypass will be a game changer for the region, reducing travel times, removing traffic from the centre of town and increasing safety.
“We want to make sure travellers still visit the town centre and spend money in local shops and cafés. That’s why the bypass will incorporate signage at the Condobolin Road roundabout encouraging motorists to stop in and see all the great things the town has to offer.
“The bypass will reduce travel time by up to 10 minutes compared to the existing route through town and increase safety by removing more than 1,200 trucks a day from local streets.”
It is expected shovels will hit the ground by mid-2021 to start the project. The proposed designs and videos of the concept are available online.