Works start on second Jewry Street Bridge in Tamworth

WORK has started on Tamworth’s second Jewry Street Bridge, which will relieve traffic congestion and improve safety in the town.  

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new bridge, to be built on the southern upstream side of the existing bridge, would be a significant improvement to Tamworth’s road network.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government has responded to Tamworth’s calls for a new bridge by fully funding the $3.5 million project,” Mr McCormack said.

“The new bridge will complete a major upgrade of the road network on the northern perimeter of Tamworth’s CBD.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the two Governments are working together to make country roads safer.

“This is what happens when two Governments – which share a passion for rural and regional Australia – work together to make our country and rural roads safer,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Around regional New South Wales, country roads, bridges and highways are getting the attention and the investment they deserve – and that’s thanks to The Nationals working together with the Liberals in Government to get the job done.”

Nationals’ Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the two lanes on the current bridge would be used for vehicles travelling north from Taminda across to Peel Street and towards Manilla or the CBD.

“The new Jewry Street bridge will increase the capacity of the road network, leading to more efficient freight for our region’s agricultural producers and better traffic flow for all motorists,” Mr Joyce said.

“It will also deliver additional travel lanes from Peel Street across the river towards Tamworth’s key industrial areas Taminda and Glen Artney and the site of the future Tamworth Rail Freight Intermodal Terminal at Westdale.”

Nationals’ Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the new Jewry Street bridge was the critical connection between the Manilla Road upgrade and the western side of the Peel River.

“The bridge will link directly to the $6 million upgrade of Manilla Road, which has been funded entirely by the NSW Government,” Mr Anderson said.

“The Manilla Road upgrade will improve traffic flow, with new traffic lights at the intersection of Peel and Jewry streets and improve safety for all road users.”

Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said the new bridge and upgrade to the adjacent intersection would end major traffic hold-ups in Jewry Street on weekday mornings and afternoons.

“These two major projects will deliver the single-biggest improvement to traffic flows on Tamworth’s road network since the current two-lane pre-stressed concrete Jewry Street bridge opened in December 1971,” Cr Murray said.

“It is exciting to be on the verge of seeing an end to this traffic pinch point.”

The bridge construction schedule has been planned to ensure it is ready for use by the time the upgrade to its main feeder roadway and adjoining intersection in Peel Street is completed.

The new $3.5 million Jewry Street bridge is fully funded by the Australian Government and is expected to be completed by May 2019, weather permitting.

The $6 million Manilla Road Upgrade is fully funded by the NSW Government, with works expected to be completed by mid-2019, weather permitting.

Shane Manning