Works forge ahead on the $220.2m Newell Highway - New Dubbo Bridge

Construction of the New Dubbo Bridge as part of the Newell Highway Upgrade in New South Wales is forging ahead with River Street between Brisbane and Bourke streets to be permanently closed by the end of August. 

In addition, crews will be carrying out works at various locations around the project in August and September. 

“The New Dubbo Bridge will extend along the existing River Street alignment so to allow for the next stage of bridge work and the tie in road work to be carried out, River Street will be permanently closed between Brisbane and Bourke streets from the end of August. 

“We recognise this may cause some temporary inconvenience and we have been consulting with impacted businesses and residents throughout the entire process and are confident we have solutions in place that suit all those affected,” Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said. 

Alternative routes are going to be signposted ahead of River Street’s closure. 

The project’s head contractor, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, is currently undertaking early works including earthworks, utility relocation and establishment of traffic control such as barriers to mark temporary lane realignment. 

Installation of piles on the floodplain will also continue, extending outwards from the river, with river piling to commence soon. 

Over the coming weeks, works to remove the median strips at the Whylandra Street and Thompson Street intersection will begin. 

Some night works will also be carried out to help minimise traffic impacts at the intersection from mid-August. 

Other project impacts such as traffic control, reduced speed limits of 40 km/h, concrete barriers in road shoulders and possible footpath and lane closures across the project alignment will be clearly signposted as well. 

“The important thing to keep in mind is that while all these moving parts may cause some minor incoveniences, they are temporary. 

“The end result will be a brand new river crossing which will improve traffic congestion and efficiency in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River during flood events. 

“We thank the community for its patience throughout this process and are excited to share the journey with them as the New Dubbo Bridge takes shape before our eyes,” Mr Lunn said. 

Project alignment (source: Transport for NSW)

The $220.2 million New Dubbo Bridge project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. It will deliver a new 660-metre bridge that will connect the western side of the Macquarie River to River Street, traversing the floodplain west of the river. 

The project will also include: 

• New and upgraded intersections at Whylandra Street, and the Newell Highway 
• Realigning the Newell Highway with new separated lanes north of Whylandra Street 
• Upgrading the intersection at Bourke Street and River Street 

The New Dubbo Bridge is expected to take up to three years to build and it is estimated to create 290 direct and 1,200 indirect jobs during the construction phase. This project will focus on forming partnerships with local businesses as well as engaging and supporting women, Aboriginal people, trainees and young workers. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)