Scone Bypass funding gets tick of approval
10 May 2017
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Scone Bypass set to go ahead as Federal funding approved for construction of the $120 million project—construction slated for late 2017
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Project will improve local traffic flow, support regional producers and improve road safety
Australian Government:
$65 million in Australian
Government funding has been ticked off to start building the
four-kilometre
Scone Bypass, creating a safer and more efficient
road
network for the local region.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said
the funding approval meant work on the bypass could get started later
this year.
“Putting this money on the table to build the bypass is another step
towards a more prosperous regional Australia. We are committed to seeing
the region thrive, and putting in a bypass means safer local streets,
better freight movement and less congestion on local roads,” Mr Chester
said.
“We’ve worked hard to make this project a reality—together, the
Australian and
New South Wales governments committed an extra $30
million at the 2016 election to make sure there were no holdups with the
project. We want to ensure the region’s farmers and producers remain
well-connected to global and domestic markets, keeping them viable and
competitive.
“It’s all part of our record $50 billion investment in infrastructure
around the nation, which is delivering projects that are saving lives,
creating jobs, and building the infrastructure we need to support a
growing nation.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce
said the bypass would also pay dividends for Scone residents, including
the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
“Having to negotiate with heavy freight traffic as you are trying to
cross a road to get a loaf of bread is never great, and what this bypass
will do is shift some of that traffic outside of Scone’s CBD,” Mr Joyce
said.
“It will also help freight operators and residents, who will no longer
experience significant delays from two rail crossings intersecting the
New England Highway. Currently, large freight trains hinder traffic for
up to two hours each day and this will only increase as more freight
moves by rail.
“The bypass will fix that problem and allow the region to reach the
potential by providing the infrastructure it needs to grow.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey
said the New South Wales Government had committed $55 million toward
this project.
“We are committed to seeing it delivered, with vital preparatory works
continuing. I am also pleased to see the Australian Government investing
in the region with construction due to begin in late 2017,” Mrs Pavey
said.
“This region supports a range of industries including livestock farming,
mining and the production of grains such as maize and oats. Between
supporting local producers with a better freight connection, to
improving local amenity with less freight traffic, the bypass is a real
boon for the community.”
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Source: Federal Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au
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