$2.15m to build northern bypass

The bypass starts at Bogan Gate Road continues along Lima Road, Limestone Road, Dawes Road, Calarie-Daroobalgie Road and connects to the Newell Highway. 

Once complete, the bypass will shorten road time by 80 kilometres for road train and B-double drivers and will provide better access to the Central West Livestock Exchange. 

While some work has already started on the bypass including widening and drainage structures, this funding will fast track the project and it will now be finished in 18 months. 

Without the funding, the completion date would have been five years from now. 

The funding is made up of $1.05 million from the Australian Government as part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and $1.1 million from the State Government as part of the Fixing Country Roads initiative. 

The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program will provide a total of $200 million for projects across Australia through to 2019 as part of its commitment to build safe, productive infrastructure. 

The Fixing Country Roads funding was developed by the NSW Government to help regional growers, producers and businesses take the most direct and cost-effective route to transport goods from paddock to port. 

Acting mayor Graeme Miller and director of engineering and technical services Ray Graham attended the announcement of the funding in Dubbo last Friday. 

“Being successful for this funding is wonderful news for our Shire,” Cr Graeme Miller said. 

“There are many benefits to this bypass and we are so pleased it has the support of both the Federal and State governments.”