The Australian Government has reported that it will fund a $10 million heavy vehicle bypass in Tenterfield, New South Wales.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the proposed project could now proceed to the development phase, which will include detailed design works, environmental assessment, property acquisition and preconstruction works.
“This funding delivers on a 2016 election commitment and builds on the extensive community consultation with local residents, Council and key stakeholders that led to identifying the final preferred route in 2015,” said Mr. Chester.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the preferred route had the backing of Tenterfield Shire Council and respected the local environment, particularly by avoiding the Currys Gap State Conservation Area.
“Getting heavy vehicles out of the middle of town is going to vastly improve safety for local traffic and pedestrians, and certainly make the main street of Tenterfield a more ‘user-friendly’ place,” said Mr. Joyce.
“The preferred route will include a new five-kilometre carriageway west of the town incorporating four new bridges and two new intersections at the northern and southern connections with the existing highway.
“The preferred route is now incorporated into Tenterfield’s Local Environment Plan, meaning the land is reserved for future road construction – providing planning certainty for the community.”
The government will expect the tenders for the latest works to be called in September 2017 and for the detailed design to be completed by mid-2019.