Western region

Moree town centre bypass

Mehi River Bridge open to traffic December 2010

Northern section of the bypass officially named

On 18 April 2012, the northern section of the Moree town centre bypass was officially named the Lou Swan Way and the bridge over the Mehi River was named the Greg Jones Bridge.

The ceremony was officiated by the Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council Katrina Humphries and the Minister for Roads and Ports, Duncan Gay MLC.

Lou Swan was an Aboriginal Elder in the local community, devoting a lot of his time to volunteering at the Salvation Army with his wife, Thelma. Mr Swan was also involved in establishing the Kamilaroi Keeping Place at Moree Plains Gallery, where many Aboriginal artefacts are displayed. Mr Swan worked for the local council for many years.

Greg Jones was a well known sportsman, art enthusiast, long running councillor and former Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council. Mr Jones served in local council from 1983 to 1999. He was deputy shire president from 1989-1991, shire president from 1991-1993 and as Mayor from 1993-1996. Mr Jones passed away in December 2000, aged 56.

Moree town centre bypass

The new Mehi River crossing officially opened to traffic on Monday 13 December 2010. Following the opening of the bridge, traffic was switched onto the northern section of the Moree town centre bypass via the Gwydir Highway connection.

The Newell Highway bypass of the Moree town centre is expected to remove 1600 heavy vehicles a day from the town's centre and improve safety and access.

Key features

Key features of the Moree town centre bypass include:

  • Upgrading the Bullus Drive/Newell Highway intersection.
  • Providing a new route through east Moree between Gosport Street and the railway line and allowing Gosport Street to remain as a service road.
  • A new road bridge over the Mehi River.
  • Providing new road and major culverts east of the racecourse and new intersection at the northern end of the works.
  • Provision for pedestrians.
  • Entry statements at the north, south and Gwydir Highway town entry points.

Benefits

The Moree town centre bypass is delivering important benefits for road users and the Moree community.

These benefits include:

  • Removing heavy vehicle through-traffic from the town centre.
  • Improving motorist and pedestrian safety.
  • Improving traffic flow in the town centre.
  • Improving the amenity of the town centre for shoppers, residents and workers.
  • Reducing heavy vehicle noise.
  • Providing an alternative crossing of the Mehi River.
Mehi River Bridge underpass Mehi River Bridge underpass - community art Mehi River Bridge Mehi river Bridge Moree at night