The 103-year-old Rawsonville Bridge west of Dubbo will be removed and replaced following feedback from the local community.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $700,000 of NSW Government funding has been committed to investigate options to replace the bridge with a new concrete bridge.
“Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is currently working with Dubbo Regional Council on the strategic design for the new bridge, with the proposal to be presented to the community once planning is complete,” Mr Saunders said.
“The new bridge is aimed to provide a smoother, safer river crossing and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, allowing for savings to be reinvested into local regional roads.”
The Rawsonville Bridge was on the list of NSW timber truss bridges to be preserved but after a review of the conservation list of bridges developed in 2012 and community feedback, the bridge will be removed and replaced with a new concrete bridge.
“Timber truss bridges were ahead of their time when they were built, showcasing leading engineering practices, and connecting local communities,” Mr Saunders said.
“TfNSW has worked closely with the Heritage Council of NSW to ensure those bridges with strong local ties remain protected and restored as necessary.”
Those bridges removed from the list will be progressively replaced and removed with appropriate heritage interpretation signage to be installed at these locations to provide a historical record.
For more information about the Timber Truss Bridge strategy, please visit rms.work/timbertrussbridge.