The $287 million Parkes Bypass project enters a new phase of construction.

Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project in New South Wales are a step closer to opening, with the beams supporting the bridge spans already lifted into place.

The $287.2 million Parkes bypass project will include five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the Victoria Street bypass.

Preliminary work, including the manufacture of abutments. Construction of both bridges at either end is now nearing completion and two giant cranes were recently brought into the bypass site to lift the six 60-ton girders into place on each bridge.

These beams were added to 30 other beams that were installed in October last year.

“All parts of the Parkes Bypass project continue to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to become a safer and more efficient primary inland transport route through central NSW,” the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said. Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agriculture and mining sectors by providing access to major freight networks not only in New South Wales, but also in Victoria and Queensland.”

Once completed, the Parkes Bypass will reduce travel times and improve productivity and efficiency for freight traffic on the Newell Highway, as well as improve pedestrian access through Parkes and improve traffic flow in and around the city.

According to NSW Government Orange spokesman Stephen Lawrence, the project has been in high demand among local residents for quite some time.

“The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition,” he said.

“Importantly, this bypass will not only reduce congestion and improve efficiency on the Newell Highway, it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”

The project is funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments, which are contributing $229.7 million and $57.4 million respectively.

In other news, the Australian and Queensland governments have announced the completion of the new Gympie Bypass, a long-awaited project that began 15 years ago.