Spring Creek bridge replacement works to start in September

Work will soon start on a $13.1 million upgrade of the Spring Creek bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway.

The project has been supported by $5 million from the federal government and $8.1 million from the NSW government as part of targeted road improvements across regional NSW.

In a joint announcement, both the Commonwealth and NSW governments said work will start in September. Heavy vehicles that rely on the highway to travel between Wee Waa and Narrabri are expected to be a major beneficiary as a result of the work.

Following a competitive tender process, Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd has been confirmed as the successful contractor to build the new 64-metre-long bridge.

It will be built on the same alignment as the existing culvert, with two-way traffic flow on the Kamilaroi Highway maintained via a temporary sealed side track throughout the construction phase.

Work to build a temporary sealed side track around the project site started in August 2023 and has been completed. Traffic has been switched on to the side track prior to the bridge replacement works getting underway.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the new bridge will also improve access for freight and, ultimately, provide greater travel efficiency for all users in the area.

“The existing Spring Creek culvert is more than 50 years old and has previously been subject to heavy vehicle restrictions and detours to allow for essential safety work to be carried out to stabilise the structure, creating significant inconvenience for regular users,” Ms Aitchison said.

“The new Spring Creek bridge will be a stronger, wider structure that meets modern design standards along with current and future road network requirements.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler described the awarding of the contract for the project as a significant milestone not only for the people of Wee Waa and Narrabri, but for every traveller in the region.

“The Spring Creek Bridge is a vital link for road users travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, as well as for the local community, agriculture and freight industries,” Mr Butler said.

“The surety of having a bridge that will remain open in wet weather and will safely take heavier loads will be a great investment in western NSW. It will be great for producers transporting their produce, but it will also ensure that the road remains open and safe for all users.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill said the Commonwealth government’s $5 million investment to replace the ageing culvert with a wider structure that meets modern design standards will ensure this road network is safer for cars and truck drivers.

“It’s part of our commitment to improve road networks across regional NSW – by progressively doubling Roads to Recovery to $1 billion per year, increasing Road Black Spot funding to $150 million per year, and launching our new $200 million Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program,” Senator O’Neill said.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.