Boston Street Bridge unveiled

The new $3.7 million Boston Street Bridge in Boggabri has been officially opened by NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, Member for Barwon Roy Butler and Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens.

Cr Tiemens welcomed everyone to the official opening including Karra Kinchela who delivered welcome to country.

The dual-lane concrete bridge, which spans 60 metres, replaces the old single-lane timber structure, providing a more suitable and safer route for motorists travelling across the Namoi River.

The new bridge successfully opened to traffic earlier this year, with the official opening held on Thursday, November 9.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the replacement of Boston Street Bridge will have many benefits for local industry and the community.

“It’s great to be in Boggabri today for the opening of this bridge that replaces the previous aged, single lane timber bridge. I would like to thank Narrabri Shire Council for their collaborative work with the NSW government in replacing the Boston Street Bridge,” Ms Aitchison said.

“As well as providing benefits to the local community, including less travel time for essential workers in the mining industry, and the heavy vehicle freight industry, the modern dual lane structure will have an extended life span and reduce the cost of maintenance to the council and ratepayers.”

Cr Tiemens said, “I thank the minister and our local member for their attendance today to officially open the new Boston Street Bridge.

John Shaw, Cr Cathy Redding, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, Cr Lisa Richardson, mayor Darrell Tiemens, John Watson, Robyn Watson and Karra Kinchela.

“This new dual-lane bridge is a great asset for the Boggabri community and our shire overall, it has been designed to last beyond another 50 years” Cr Tiemens said.

“The Boston Street Bridge Replacement project is a testament to the strong partnership between the NSW government and council in delivering essential infrastructure to the benefit of our local community.

“I’d like to acknowledge the state government for their generous funding towards the replacement bridge, ensuring this vital piece of infrastructure’s completion.”

Cr Tiemens said the bridge was already improving traffic flow.

“As well as increasing safety for motorists, the replacement structure is catering to the needs of freight and other heavy vehicles, including those with wide and high loads.

“What’s more, it reduces travel distance, which not only improves freight movement but also benefits Narrabri mine staff,” Cr Tiemens added.

John Shaw, treasurer and representing the Boggabri Business Chamber said that the businesses in the main street have seen an increase in traffic since the opening of the bridge.

Cr Richardson told those present of a lasting memory she had of the cattle stranded on the bridge back in the 2021 floods.

Funding for the Boston Street Bridge included $2.6M from the NSW government and $1.1M from the council