New South Wales completes Gunnedah heavy vehicle bypass project

The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has announced the completion of the Gunnedah heavy vehicle bypass project.

The project upgraded a 1.8km stretch of Bloomfield Street to support B-doubles and other higher mass limit vehicles.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “This programme invests in these types of projects across Australia because they support our truckies and the many businesses that rely on them by improving the safety and productivity of key freight routes.

“This is part of our A$110bn nationwide infrastructure investment programme, which we continue to roll out to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the pandemic.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said that the project has strengthened the road, as well as upgraded the Boundary Road intersection and improved line markings.

Completion of the project is aimed at facilitating safer and smooth journeys for the freight industry while taking trucks out of town centres.

The A$4m ($2.9m) project has been jointly funded, with the Federal Government providing A$2m ($1.4m) and the NSW Government committing A$1.5m ($1.09m). Gunnedah Shire Council provided the remaining A$500,000 ($366,642).

Toole said: “The upgraded Bloomfield Street is a vital link in the strategic freight plan for the region. Providing road freight with a clear route around town is a big win for the community and the agricultural, resources and manufacturing sectors that power the economy.

“Projects like this that improve freight efficiency, productivity and safety outcomes have never been more important with the regional freight task in NSW growing so fast.”