At Question Time today in the NSW Parliament, independent MP for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan, rose and asked this question about the Picton bypass.
“Can the minister confirm what is the cost of the 2km stretch of road that RMS has recommended as Corridor 9 which will join Remembrance Driveway and Picton Road, known as the Picton Bypass? Can the minister provide if no exact costings have been done, the estimate RMS has come up with for the project after millions have been spent on planning for the last 35 years for this same recommended bypass?’’
The news from the minister was indeed good: funding will be included in next week’s State Government Budget, ending a 35 year campaign for this vital piece of road infrastructure in outer South Western Sydney.
“We know the Picton community want this bypass built,’’ said transport minister Jo Haylen, who represents the roads minister in the lower house of the parliament.
“That’s why I am very pleased to inform the Member planning will continue and funding for the Pixton bypass will be included in the budget next Tuesday,’’ Ms Haylen said.
“The proposed bypass will provide an alternative for motorists and for heavy vehicles linking Thirlmere and Tahmoor with the Hume Highway via Picton Road.
“The aim is to reduce transport through Picton, to reduce travelling times and improve reliability.
“This will improve safety for road users.
“It also aims to improve resilience in the road network in emergency events like floods and fires,” the minister said.
In a media release issued this afternoon, Ms Hannan, pictured above asking the question today, has welcomed the confirmation Picton Bypass will be included in NSW State Budget.
“This brings a project of over 35 years close to fruition,’’ Ms Hannan said.
“Previous governments have made announcements but have never included this as a line item or actually fund ed the project.
“For years planning has taken place on the same stretch of road, and it is about time that we have this project started.
“For too long Wollondilly has been a political football and finally we have people put before politics.
“I, like the rest of Wollondilly, I am keen to see the final figures for the project, the estimated time to complete by RMS – and I thank everyone who has supported this project,” Ms Hannan said.
