Locals have their say on Coonabarabran Bypass

13 September 2021

Feedback from the community provided during the recent display of the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF) will help shape plans for a bypass of the Newell Highway at Coonabarabran.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said 28 submissions received in response to the initial concept design would inform plans for the bypass.

“The proposed eight-kilometre bypass to the east of Coonabarabran, would not only improve connectivity and safety for road users, but would increase freight efficiency by allowing for high-productivity vehicles such as 36.5-metre B-triples and Type 2 Road Trains,” Mr Toole said.

“We are getting close to finalising the concept design and will take into consideration community feedback on a number of key design areas.

“Transport for NSW will continue to consult with all impacted property owners on their concerns around property access arrangements, fencing of new boundary lines, and impacts on bore water and on Travelling Stock Routes.”

Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said four submissions raised issues regarding noise, light and dust impacts on residents adjacent to the proposed bypass.

“To address this issue, an urban design and landscaping plan has been proposed and detailed within the Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment Report (in the REF), and will include revegetation and limiting use of street lighting,” Mr Farraway said.

“Eight submissions raised issues regarding the bypass intersection, particularly concerning the safety of the movement of vehicles of all sizes at the proposed bypass intersections at Purlewaugh Road and River Road.

Detailed design for work at the junction of the Newell and Oxley highways to tie-in to the future bypass is expected to be completed in early 2022.

The NSW Government has committed $11.5 million for planning of the Newell Highway upgrade at Coonabarabran. No funding for construction has been confirmed. For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/coonabarabran.