An RTA spokesperson says this follows a recent decision by the State Department of Environment and Climate Change to require Mobil to decontaminate the company’s former fuel depot site on Gosport Street, along the route of Stage 2 of the bypass.

“The need for decontamination could cause an extended delay to roadwork south of the Gwydir Highway,” the spokesperson said.

“While waiting for the decontamination to be completed, the RTA will work with the Moree community, as well as the NSW Department of Planning and the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, on a proposal to complete the section between the Gwydir Highway and the new Mehi River Bridge.

“This would provide an opportunity to divert highway traffic from the town centre until the contamination is removed and the full town centre bypass can be constructed.

“The RTA has begun preliminary environmental requirements for this proposal and will work with the community to identify and respond to any issues raised about the staged opening,” said the spokesperson.

Stage one, involving 2.2 km of roadwork and a 156 metre bridge over the Mehi River, is running on schedule.

When complete, the 4.4 km town centre bypass will connect with the existing Newell Highway at Bullus Drive in the south, to join the highway again near the north-eastern corner of Moree Racecourse.

This will replace the existing route of the Newell Highway along Frome Street and through town along Balo Street.