Arcadis to do initial work to see heavy vehicles skirt town
The Tenterfield heavy vehicle bypass is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Arcadis Australia Pacific announced as the successful tenderer to carry out planning work, the federal government says.
The Commonwealth provided $10 million for the planning work in the 2017-18 federal Budget toward the project.
“We’ve got our money rolling out the door to get this project happening. Today’s announcement is one of the first steps in the process and it shows there is real momentum behind the project,” Federal infrastructure and transport minister and New England MP Barnaby Joyce says.
“It will take some time to complete these planning works given the scope of the project.
“The bypass is going to start north of the Tenterfield Creek Bridge, run west of the railway corridor and then re-join the existing highway near Cowper Street, supporting both local industry and interstate drivers.”
New South Wales roads, maritime and freight Minister Melinda Pavey says work would include carrying out a review of environmental factors and scope out the detailed design for the project.
“After a competitive process six applications were received to carry out planning work and it’s great to announce the successful tenderer for the planning stage,” Pavey adds.
NSW Member for Lismore Thomas George said the existing road was narrow, had several pedestrian crossings and a 40 km/h speed restriction through the town centre, creating challenges for the local community.
“The 4.5 km bypass project is going to remove heavy vehicles from the town’s main street, giving it back to the local community for everyone to enjoy,” George says.
Planning work is expected to take around three years to complete and the community will be kept informed as the proposal progresses.