New roundabout to be built as part of $287.2m Parkes Bypass project

As a key feature of the Newell Highway bypass of Parkes in central west New South Wales, a new roundabout is being built on Condobolin Road. 

The Parkes Bypass has been in planning for decades and it aims to alleviate the constant flow of heavy freight vehicles and visitor traffic through the town. 

The new bypass road is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, with the Australian Government contributing $229.7 million towards the $287.2 million project. The Parkes Bypass is also being delivered as part of the $1.5 billon investment from the Australian and New South Wales Governments into the Newell Highway Corridor. 

“The Australian Government is pleased to have committed significant funding to this first exciting part of the project to safely bypass the Parkes CBD from the busy Newell Highway. 

“Our Government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“The Parkes Bypass will take more than 1,200 heavy vehicles and other traffic away from the town centre every day, improving travel times for thousands of motorists and making the CBD of Parkes more accessible. 

“I’m thrilled to see work get underway on the giant Condo Road roundabout; it represents significant progress on a project that has been decades in the making. 

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to build a better Parkes and a better Newell Highway for all Australians,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

Construction on the new roundabout on Condobolin Road will commence during the July school holidays. 

The new roundabout will enable motorists to travel at 80km/h once open to traffic. It will also feature a large sculpture in its centre, which has been designed in collaboration with Parkes Shire Council. 

During construction, motorists will need to detour around the project site. 

“The new roundabout will provide safer and more efficient passage for motorists and heavy vehicle operators. 

“Not only that, it will become a local tourist landmark as part of the travelling experience through the central west of New South Wales,” Senator for NSW Deb O’Niell said. 

The 10.5-kilometre-long Parkes Bypass project will include: 

• A two-lane road (one 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 on 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 

“It’s fantastic to see this once in a generation Parkes Bypass project progressing. 

“Also importantly, this project not only delivering road and transport benefits – it’s also supporting 350 jobs and injecting vital funds into small businesses in Parkes and the broader Central West region, which is bouncing back stronger than ever after unprecedented floods,” State Member for Orange Phil Donato said. 

“The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improved road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry. 

“Not only will Parkes benefit from its progression, but the entire Central West will toon and the thousands of motorists from across Australia that use the Newell Highway every day,” NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); NSW Government – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government