Local contractors & suppliers to be prioritised for Parkes Bypass work

Following the release of tenders to market last month, local contractors are now encouraged to get involved in the delivery of the $187.2 million Parkes Bypass project in New South Wales. 

A forum is going to be held on 20th April and this will allow local contractors and suppliers to register their details as well as engage with prospective head contractors for this significant road infrastructure project. 

“We're encouraging local businesses and suppliers to attend the session, network with other prospective tenderers and ask any questions. 

“You could operate a cleaning, photography, machinery parts, earthmoving or traffic control business and everything in between – there are so many opportunities involved. 

“The Parkes Bypass project will support hundreds of jobs over the life of the project, providing a welcome boost to the local economy,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The contract for main contractor is due to be awarded later this year, with major construction on the Parkes Bypass anticipated to commence by the end of this year. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Road Paul Toole said that keeping local jobs in local towns is a priority in the State Government's commitment to building a stronger and safer regional New South Wales. 

“We want to ensure the community is benefitting from the project before a single vehicle uses the bypass by linking local businesses employing qualified tradespeople with this game-changing road project. 

“When we invest in these massive infrastructure projects, our aim is to make sure that we are creating local jobs and local opportunities so the communities see the benefits sooner,” Minister Toole said. 

Project alignment (source: Transport for NSW)

The Parkes Bypass project will deliver a two-lane 10.5-kilometre road that includes: 

• 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 – one over two rail lines and Hartigan Avenue and another over the Bypass on Victoria Street 
• An extension of Hartigan Avenue (Henry Parkes Way) with intersections 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; and connection between Thomas Street and Mitchell Street via Reedsdale Road extension 
• A new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists which will connect Broglan Road, Condobolin Road and Victoria Street 

“The Parkes Bypass is not only going to deliver safer and better journeys for motorists on the Newell Highway by reducing travel time by up to 10 minutes and increase safety by removing more than 1,200 trucks a day from local streets, but it's also going to inject millions in economic activity into Parkes,” Minister Toole said. 

The Parkes Bypass project is jointly funded by the Australia and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $149.7 million and $37.4 million respectively. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Transport for NSW – Roads and Maritime (1, 2)