Environmental assessment released for Coonabarabran Bypass

Plans to build an eight-kilometre Newell Highway bypass at Coonabarabran to improve freight efficiency are now a step closer.

The environmental assessment and concept designs have been released for the project. Freight industry representatives and residents in the area are now invited to have their say in the Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the proposed bypass would divert about 700 trucks a day from the centre of town, delivering safer and more efficient journeys for motorists continuing along the bypass.

“Most trucks are B-doubles that currently travel through the centre of town at a reduced speed limit, which means longer travel times for those travelling between Narrabri and Gilgandra,” Farraway said.

“The proposed bypass would improve efficiency by allowing regional producers and freight operators to get products to market quicker and driving down transport costs.”

Farraway said as well as being safer for drivers and pedestrians in the town centre, a bypass will also improve amenity for the town’s retail district and reduce heavy vehicle noise.

The REF will outline methods Transport for NSW are planning to mitigate and manage environmental impacts of the upgrade.

“More than 250 people provided feedback that helped us determine the preferred route to the east of the town,” Farraway said.

“All feedback received will assist with planning for the bypass and completing the concept design.”

The REF can be round at the Warrumbungle Shire Council and on their website until 29 January, 2021.