After more than three years of construction, Dubbo’s newest river crossing will welcome its first motorists, with the 660-metre Aunty Pearl Gibbs Bridge opening to traffic on Saturday 14 November.

Dubbo is a vital hub for the Central West, connecting rural and remote communities to essential health, education and other services, while supporting freight movements between regional NSW and Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. 

The $263.2 million project, with $210.6 million from the Albanese Labor Government and $52.6 million from the Minns Labor Government, is one of the largest road infrastructure projects to be delivered in Dubbo and marks the beginning of a new chapter for travel through the city. 

From daily commutes and school runs to freight movements through the Central West, the new bridge will make getting around Dubbo easier and provide the road connections needed to improve community access to essential services and the city’s future growth. 

The official opening celebrates the formal adoption of the name Aunty Pearl Gibbs Bridge, honouring the legacy of a prominent Aboriginal woman and pioneering Aboriginal rights campaigner. 

Building the 660-metre bridge has been a massive undertaking, with 89 piles supporting the bridge, 7,750 cubic metres of concrete forming the deck and more than 121,000 cubic metres of material moved during construction. That’s enough to fill 48 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

The project has supported 1,490 jobs, including 30% local workers and 20% identifying as Aboriginal.

More than 400 locals turned out last month for a special community day, enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk across the new bridge, experience the scale of the project firsthand and take in views of the Macquarie River from the deck.

Finishing work will continue into 2027 including completing upgrades at the River and Bourke Street and Thompson and Whylandra Street intersections, landscaping and beautification of Wiradjuri Park with new planting, signage, pathways and shelters. 

For more information, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/newell-highway-upgrade-new-dubbo-bridge-project. 

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

“This is a proud moment for Dubbo and regional New South Wales, with this vital crossing to make trips for both families and freight and families smoother, safer and more efficient.

“This long-term infrastructure will provide consistent traffic flow, especially when the river rises. At the same time it honours Aunty Pearl Gibbs, an extraordinary Aboriginal woman who left a legacy of fighting for the community in which this bridge will serve.” 

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison: 

“What a fantastic day for Dubbo and the Central West.

“For three years, locals have watched this bridge take shape over the iconic Macquarie River, and today they can finally drive across it for the very first time.

“This new crossing will make a real difference to everyday life. It will strengthen Dubbo’s connections to the wider region, make it easier for people to access the services they rely on and provide a more reliable crossing when flood waters rise.

“Today also formally recognises the name Aunty Pearl Gibbs Bridge, honouring a remarkable Aboriginal woman and pioneering Aboriginal rights campaigner.

“A huge thank you to the 1,490 workers who have helped bring this project to life. Their hard work and dedication have delivered something the Dubbo community can be proud of for many years to come.”  

Quotes attributable to NSW Senator Deborah O’Neill:

“Building bridges is all about building connection between communities. It is fitting that this essential bridge bears the name of Aunty Pearl Gibbs – an Aboriginal woman who dedicated her life to building connection between communities. 

“I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that continues to deliver for regional Australia.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence:

“The Aunty Pearl Gibbs Bridge is more efficient, reliable, and gives locals a safer option for travel. 

“Through this brand new bridge, the Minns Labor Government is delivering quicker and less disruptive options for emergency services, families and our core local businesses.”