Geotechnical work to help shape the final design of the new Dubbo Bridge has now kicked off, bringing the $220 million game-changing project a step closer to construction.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said a crane on top of a barge in the Macquarie River has located the best spot for the bridge piles, while utility and drainage investigations will inform the final design for the project.
“It’s great to see further progress on a vital project for Dubbo to improve road safety and efficiency for our local road users and freight operators, which will be a relief to all,” Mr Coulton said.
“The project will ease congestion and maintain reliable access through Dubbo to ensure people can reach the hospital and other critical services during flood events.
“More than ever, the continued rollout of priority infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs and back our region’s growth.
“Together, the Australian and NSW governments have funded the new 660-metre-long bridge at River Street, providing a second high-level crossing over the Macquarie River.”
State Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the community will soon see visible early work, including fencing of the bridge site.
“On a day-to-day basis this project will have wider benefits to traffic flow and capacity in Dubbo, including for motorists wishing to continue travelling along the Newell Highway, but it will come into its own in times of flood when traffic can function much easier than it has previously,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Thompson Street and Newell Highway intersection will be upgraded and widened to include dedicated turning lanes to improve traffic flow.
“Transport for NSW will continue with initial utility investigations of electrical, gas, telecommunications water and sewer lines and a survey of drainage in the area, and work also continues with impacted landholders.
“Sounding work to determine the best location for the bridge piles has been carried out over the past couple of weeks.
“We are on track to be able to share the detailed design towards the end of this year, and early 2022 we will call tenders for construction and other works to relocate utilities.”
The Australian Government has committed $176.2 million to fund the Newell Highway Upgrade – Dubbo Bridge project in partnership with the NSW Government.