Residents in the Dubbo and Wellington regions can look forward to better connectivity when three ageing bridges are replaced under the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said replacing old timber bridges means improved community connections to schools, towns and jobs, allowing easier movement of freight and delivering better outcomes for road safety.
“On top of easing the financial burden on councils, this program will create thousands of local jobs throughout regional communities at a time when they’re needed most,” Mr Saunders said.
“In the lead-up to the 2019 election we committed to fixing or replacing these bridges and I’m glad that in the Dubbo region alone, we are providing $1.94 million for the replacement of Benelong Bridge, and $1.7 million for the ageing Burrendong No 2 bridge.
“There’s also an extra $454,000 to complete the replacement of the older-style timber Terrabella Bridge, which builds on the more than $2.7 million already allocated by the NSW Government to that project.
“These projects will make a huge difference for the communities that rely on this infrastructure, and I’m looking forward to a second round later this year.”
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Ben Shields welcomed the NSW Government’s support.
“These bridges are reaching the end of their life so to be able to have the funding to replace them with modern bridges will benefit local residents and tourists,” Councillor Shields said.
“In the case of Terrabella Bridge, there are also significant realignment works that will make it easier for large vehicles to use this key transport route.”
For more information on the Fixing Country Bridges program and to view the full list of successful projects, please visit nswroads.work/fixingcountrybridges