GUNDY CREEK BRIDGE COMPLETE

THE new $1.37 million Gundy Creek Bridge in Wellington is complete, with the project set to improve freight transport and community access.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Australian Government invested $620,041 in the project through the Bridges Renewal Program, with the NSW Government matching the contribution.

“Around the country the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing in making roads – especially country roads – safer, to ensure people get some sooner and safer and to boost productivity,” Mr McCormack said.

“We are pleased to see work completed on the Gundy Bridge with safety, efficiency and productivity benefits now being enjoyed by local farmers as well as the wider community.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said the work would make a significant difference to efficient freight movements in the region.

“Renshaw McGirr Way between Yeoval and Wellington is used by primary producers in the livestock and agricultural industries which will gain significant productivity boosts through improved access for heavy vehicles,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Freight is worth $66 billion to the NSW economy, with the freight task expected to grow, especially out of this productive region, so we are committed to improving connectivity along key freight routes such as Renshaw McGirr Way.”

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the original timber bridge was replaced with a two-lane concrete bridge that can accommodate higher mass limit vehicles.

“This upgrade shows our commitment to funding vital upgrades that provide better connections to local roads, state highways and key freight hubs,” Mr Gee said.

“This is an important upgrade to infrastructure in the region, as the bridge connects the Mitchell and Newell highways and improves the safety of the local road network for vehicles of all sizes.”

State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said he was proud the NSW Government had been able to support this important road project through the Fixing Country Roads program, which had reserved more than $540 million to regional road projects over multiple funding rounds.

“The new bridge will boost local freight transport by allowing B-doubles, improving connectivity on the local road network and cutting transport costs,” Mr Grant said.

“Other road users will also benefit from a safer and more secure route, while bridge maintenance costs will drop significantly.”

Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields said a side-track bypassing the bridge had been in place at Gundy Creek requiring all vehicles including emergency vehicles to slow down to 60 kilometres per hour.

“We welcome this upgrade as the previous timber bridge was no longer operational due to load limits and safety considerations and the side track was not a permanent or convenient option for the town,” Cr Shields said.

“This is a great example of the three tiers of Government working together to achieve an important outcome for the community and the freight industry more broadly.”

The project was funded by the Australian ($620,041) and NSW Governments ($620,041) and the Dubbo Regional Council ($132,733).

More information on the Bridges Renewal Program is available at http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/bridges_renewal.aspx.

Shane Manning