Construction begins on the new Dubbo bridge

Major work is now underway to lay the foundations for the new Dubbo bridge across the Macquarie River in Dubbo.

The Australian and New South Wales Governments have jointly funded the new Dubbo bridge project, which forms part of more than $1 billion in upgrades along the Newell Highway.

It will improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion for locals, visitors and the freight industry, and improve access across the Macquarie River floodplain during extreme weather events.

Early works on the project started in August 2022 with the Brisbane Street and Darling Street intersection works now nearing completion.

The new Dubbo bridge is a $220.2 million investment, with major construction now starting and the project expected to be open to traffic by late 2026.

The Australian Government is providing $176.2 million for the bridge and the NSW Government $44.0 million.

For more information, go to https://roadswaterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/dubbo-bridge/index.html.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

There is something wonderful about watching a transformative project like this coming together and we know the people of Dubbo will stay engaged with this project every step of the way.

“Early work to prepare the site compound and fence the work area has been ongoing since December and we are now hitting a magical milestone in this vitally important project with the start of construction.

“Crews are now ready to start constructing the bridge’s permanent supports and 660 metre span.

“This will start with a drill rig that will bore holes into the bedrock beneath the Macquarie River to guide crews to drive steel tubes about 60 metres into the ground.

“From there, crews will construct the columns that will hold up the new bridge.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

The NSW Government is building what matters to keep our great state moving forward.

“We’ve already built the new intersection of Brisbane and Darling streets that will improve traffic flow to the new bridge along River Street, which will be elevated above the floodplain. This is nearly completed and is set to open in coming weeks.

“Once the 89 piles are installed, the first massive girders would be moved into place from late 2023.

“The bridge will use 123 reinforced concrete girders to provide the framework to hold the approximately 5,000 tonne weight of the bridge deck. We will really see this work start to come together in early 2024."

Quotes attributable to state Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders:

This is an exciting milestone for a game-changing project that will transform the way residents, tourists and freight operators move around and through Dubbo.

“The NSW Government is building what matters to keep the state moving forward and locals will be critical in supporting the success of the project, with at least 20 per cent of the workforce coming from the Dubbo area.

“The New Dubbo Bridge project will generate 290 direct and 1,200 indirect jobs during the construction phase, with a strong focus on engaging and supporting women, Aboriginal people, trainees, and young workers.

“We are improving the roads you use every day, to make sure you can get to work, school and essential services safely and efficiently.”