The final stage of the Narromine Heavy Vehicle Bypass is now underway, with works progressing at the intersection of Gainsborough and Tomingley Roads.

Narromine Shire Council began the project in 2022 to redirect heavy vehicle traffic away from Dandaloo Street, improving safety and amenity within the main part of town.

Council’s Director Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Melanie Slimming, said the new intersection would deliver a safer and more efficient route for trucks.

Ms Slimming said the upgraded intersection includes new left and right turn slip lanes into the western end of Gainsborough Road to better accommodate high volumes of heavy vehicle traffic.

“This work finalises the bypass route, helping to keep heavy vehicles out of the town centre while improving overall traffic flow and road safety,” she said.

The works are primarily being carried out on the road shoulders, with Council expecting minimal disruption to road users throughout construction.

Mayor Ewen Jones said the project had been a long time coming and represented the final step in improving transport routes for the region.

“Originally, the road through there was dirt and low, and every time it got a bit of rain it would flood and become impassable,” Cr Jones said.

“Council’s been working on it for a couple of years now, getting the money together and budgeting for it.”

He said upgrades had already been completed along the route, with the final intersection works now underway.

Narromine Shire Council Mayor, Ewen Jones, said the patience of local road users will be worth it with the imminent completion of the Narromine Heavy Vehicle Bypass.

“They’ve built it up and down to level it, completed some sections and now it’s just this last bit to finish,” he said.

Cr Jones acknowledged some concerns raised by nearby landholders but said Council had worked to ensure minimal disruption.

“There were a couple of concerns from some landholders out Tomingley way, but Council’s emailed them and explained there’d be very minimal delays or disruptions,” he said.

“We’re definitely mindful of the busy time of year for farmers and that harvest trucks are coming through when they’re delivering grain.”

Ms Slimming confirmed Council was taking local agricultural operations into account.

“Council is mindful of the upcoming harvest period and will ensure construction does not impact local agricultural operations,” she said.

“If works are not completed prior to harvest, construction will be temporarily suspended to minimise any inconvenience to road users.”

Cr Jones said the new intersection would make a significant difference for truck movements once complete.

“It’s really finished now between some sections and it’s created a nice, wide turning intersection for the trucks,” he said.

Council thanked the community for its understanding during the final construction phase.

“Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation while these important works are carried out,” Ms Slimming said.

The final stage of the Narromine Heavy Vehicle Bypass marks the completion of a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving road safety and keeping heavy vehicles out of the town centre - a change welcomed by both local residents and the transport industry.