The Albanese and Minns Labor governments have today announced the completion of one of the central west's largest ever transport infrastructure projects -Parkes Bypass.
The $287.2 million upgrade has delivered a brand new 10.5-kilometre section of the Newell Highway, which opened to traffic in April this year.
The 1,062-kilometre-long Newell Highway is one of the nation's busiest freight routes, linking Victoria and Queensland.
The Parkes Bypass means truck drivers and freight operators will be able to get from Dubbo to Forbes without the need to navigate the Parkes town centre, removing up to 1,200 trucks per day from local streets and busting congestion in the regional hub.
Pedestrians and those shopping and moving around in the Parkes CBD are now enjoying the improved safety and ease of travelling without heavy vehicles navigating local streets.
The transformational, nation-building project has delivered a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as two bridges.
One bridge crosses the new alignment of the highway along Victoria Street, connecting the local community to the Shallow Rush area and Parkes Christian School, and the second spans Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor.
The bridge at Victoria Street will be known as Burral Bridge, a Wiradjuri word meaning birthplace or the name of a place or soil upon which a child is born.
The bridge at Hartigan Avenue will be known as Sir Henry Parkes Bridge in recognition of the town's namesake and Australia's Father of Federation, who led the unification of Australian colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
Other key features completed since April include the northern and southern tie-ins, the London Road T intersection, the new shared user path, the halo sculpture at the Condobolin Road roundabout, the link road which will be named Brolgan Road, and extensive landscaping that strengthens the look and feel of the gateway into Parkes.
Local Wiradjuri culture is now a prominent feature of the bypass, with safety screens on Burral Bridge featuring artwork by local First Nations artists Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull, and signs featuring an artwork by Sauce Towney to be installed in early 2026.
These elements help share the deep cultural identity of the region with every person travelling along the bypass.
The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, with the Australian Government committing $229.7 million and the NSW Government contributing the remaining funding.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Albanese and Minns Governments are committed to building the infrastructure regional communities need, and the Parkes Bypass is a key example of that.
"This project improves safety, cuts travel times and strengthens one of the most significant freight routes in the country.
"It will help keep goods moving and our regional economies strong.
"It is wonderful to see the project also celebrate the cultural strength of the Wiradjuri people.
"This is the kind of infrastructure that supports communities while respecting the country it is built on."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"This is a transformational project for the central west.
"Communities have been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades.
"While the project hasn't been without its challenges, it's great to see the benefits it's delivering for this community.
"By removing up to 1,200 heavy vehicles a day from the heart of Parkes, we are strengthening the safety and liveability of the town and supporting local businesses to thrive.
"This is exactly what building better regional communities looks like.
"It is also incredibly special to honour Wiradjuri language and culture through Burral Bridge, Sir Henry Parkes Bridge and the stunning artworks now part of the bypass.
"These stories are central to this land and will be seen by everyone travelling this important route."
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill:
"This project is delivering real benefits for people in Parkes and across the central west.
"Safer roads, better traffic flow and more welcoming town centres are exactly what strong regional communities deserve.
"It is a major investment in the future prosperity of the region."
Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for the state seat of Orange Stephen Lawrence:
"The completion of the Parkes Bypass is a huge step forward for the region.
"This is a truly transformational upgrade that makes local roads safer, smoother and more efficient for everyone who relies on them.
"Taking heavy vehicles out of the Parkes town centre has already improved safety for families, school communities and local businesses.
"It means people can move around their town more easily and with greater confidence.
"I am proud to see Wiradjuri language and culture reflected so prominently in this project.
"It strengthens the identity of the region and deepens the connection between this community and the country it sits on."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Parkes Shire Council Neil Westcott:
"The completion of the Newell Highway bypass marks a historic milestone for Parkes.
"This project has been on the drawing board since the 1960s, and today we see it come to life.
"With freight volumes forecast to grow from a truck every minute to a truck every 30 seconds, the bypass was not only inevitable, it is essential for the functionality and liveability of our town.
"From an amenity perspective, the benefits will be significant.
"Reduced heavy vehicle traffic through the CBD will enhance safety and create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
"However, we acknowledge that this change brings challenges, particularly for some local businesses.
"Over the coming years, we must work together, with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and our business community, to ensure Parkes remains a destination, not just a convenient stop.
"Recognising this, the council has worked closely with TfNSW to guarantee easy access from the bypass into town.
"Entry points have been designed at both ends of the bypass, with a central decision point at Condobolin Road, where a large roundabout now stands.
"This roundabout, featuring a distinctive and colourful 'halo', will become an iconic navigation landmark on one of the longest and business transport routes in NSW, directing traffic towards Parkes, Condobolin, Orange, or the Special Activation Precinct.
"To complement this, the council has developed a Western Entry Masterplan aimed at improving the road corridor from the roundabout into the Parkes CBD, ensuring a welcoming and efficient approach for visitors and freight alike.
"I want to commend TfNSW for their collaboration throughout this project.
"They listened to community feedback and responded thoughtfully.
"A prime example is the inclusion of the Victoria Street bridge, which ensures safe passage for traffic accessing the Christian school, a priority raised by our residents.
"The bypass is more than a road, it is an investment in the future of Parkes. Together, we will embrace the opportunities it brings and ensure our town continues to thrive."
