Bridges construction continue to ramp up on $287.2m Parkes Bypass project

Construction of the Parkes Bypass project in central west New South Wales is progressing well, with two new bridges a step closer to carrying traffic. 

The $287.2 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $229.7 million and $57.4 million respectively. 

“All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales. 

“The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Preliminary works on the bridges are almost complete, involving the construction of abutments or bridge ends at either end of the bridges. Two large cranes will begin mobilising to the project site to lift six girders into place at each bridge. 

Each of the 60-tonne girders is going to be hoisted in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports starting 15 October 2024 – weather permitting. These girders that will be installed at the northern end of the bridge adds to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023. 

Once the massive cranes are in place, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one by one to the 750-tonne crane to install between the northern abutment and the next pier. 

This process is going to be repeated on 5 November when one of the cranes will begin to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge. 

“These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes. 

“It will be a spectacular sight as these crucial links in the Parkes Bypass of the Newell Highway comes together, as we move closer to delivering this key regional project with the Australian Government,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

The Parkes Bypass Project will deliver a 10.5-kilometre new highway west of Parkes. Key features of the project include: 

• A two-lane road (one lane in each direction) with five key intersections, including: 

• • Two T-intersections, north and south between the existing Newell Highway and the Bypass 

• • A split T-intersection at London Road 

• • A four-way roundabout at Condobolin Road 

• • A T-intersection with Bogan Road 

• Two bridges: 

• • A bridge over two rail lines and Hartigan Avenue 

• • A bridge over the Bypass at Victoria Street 

• An extension of Hartigan Avenue (Henry Parkes Way) with intersection with Broglan Road, Billy Mac Place and Condobolin Road 

• Realignment, reconfiguration and changes to local roads including: 

• • Shifting part of Moulden Street to the west 

• • Maguire Road and Nock Road converted to cul-de-sacs 

• • New connection between Broglan Road and Hartigan Avenue 

• • Connection between Thomas Street and Mitchell Street via the Reedsdale Road extension 

• A new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists which will connect Broglan Road, Condobolin Road and Victoria Street 

Once completed, the bypass will help reduce travel times as well as improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway while also improving pedestrian access through Parkes. 

“The Parkes Bypass project is a critical investment in a key regional area of NSW and will help underpin the area’s future prosperity. 

“This project has supported around 350 jobs during construction and we appreciate the patience of Parkes motorists, tourists and freight operators as they have navigated the necessary traffic changes along the way,” Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill said. 

“The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered. 

“Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway; it will also improve road safety and better protect our community,” NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW