The Federal and New South Wales governments have announced a joint $13.1 million investment to construct a new Spring Creek Bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway near Narrabri.
The upgrade, supported by $5 million from the Federal Government and $8.1 million from the New South Wales Government, is set to start construction in September 2024 and will improve road safety, particularly for heavy vehicles that rely on the bridge to travel between Narrabri and Wee Waa in north-western New South Wales.
Following a tender process, Saunders Civilbuild has been confirmed as the successful contractor to build the new 64m-long bridge.
It will be built on the same alignment as the existing culvert, with two-way traffic flow on the Kamilaroi Highway maintained via a temporary sealed side track throughout the construction phase.
Work to build a temporary sealed side track around the project site started in August 2023 and has now been completed.
Traffic will be switched on to the side track prior to the bridge replacement works getting underway.
Spring Creek Bridge is a major crossing over Spring Creek on the Kamilaroi Highway, located 9.5km west of Narrabri.
Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
Federal Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill, said that Spring Creek Bridge is an important link on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, which is why the government is ensuring that it’s fit-for-purpose into the future.
“Our $5 million investment to replace the ageing culvert with a wider structure that meets modern design standards will ensure this road network is safer for cars and our truckies,” Senator O’Neill said.
“It’s part of our commitment to improve road networks across regional New South Wales – by progressively doubling Roads to Recovery to $1 billion per year, increasing Road Black Spot funding to $150 million per year, and launching our new $200 million Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that the existing Spring Creek Culvert is more than 50 years old and has previously been subject to heavy vehicle restrictions and detours to allow for essential safety work to be carried out to stabilise the structure, creating significant inconvenience for regular users.
“The new Spring Creek Bridge will be a stronger, wider structure that meets modern design standards along with current and future road network requirements,” Minister Aitchison said.
“The new bridge will also improve access for freight and, ultimately, provide greater travel efficiency for all users in the area.”
State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, said that the awarding of this contract to Saunders Civilbuild is a significant milestone in this project not only for the people of Narrabri and Wee Waa, but for every traveller in that area.
“The Spring Creek Bridge is a vital link for road users travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, as well as for the local community, agriculture and freight industries,” Mr Butler said.
“The surety of having a bridge that will remain open in wet weather and will safely take heavier loads will be a great investment in western New South Wales. It will be great for producers transporting their produce, but it will also ensure that the road remains open and safe for all users.”
Image: Edward Haylan/shutterstock.com
