The New South Wales Government will invest $49.25 million toward upgrading timber bridges in 34 locations, following round two of its $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said $49.25 million has been awarded to replace 34 timber bridges with concrete bridges across 21 Local Government Areas (LGA).
“Our government is building infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and protect our supply chain,” Mr Farraway said.
“We’ll continue to work with councils across the rest of the state, many of which have been hit hard by natural disasters like floods to firm up the remaining bridges.
“With each bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for heavy vehicles from freight to the local school bus and RFS tankers.
“Improving access for freight companies helps them to reduce their operational costs, which will ultimately reduce costs for New South Wales families when buying the goods at the local supermarket.”
$290 million out of the program’s allocated $500 million was previously committed in round one of the program and has funded the replacement of over 400 bridges according to Mr Farraway.
The outcome of all other eligible applications submitted in Round 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges Program is expected to be announced in late 2022.