Timber bridge replacements continue across Narrabri Shire

The replacement of timber bridges throughout Narrabri Shire is set to continue after council secured $2.3 million to replace Tullamullen Creek bridge.

Works are already underway on the replacement of the Boston Street bridge, Boggabri, and Bullawa Creek bridge will also soon be replaced.

The latest upgrade announcement has been celebrated as a major milestone for the shire, which has successfully completed a program of timber bridge replacements.

Council’s director infrastructure delivery Eloise Chaplain said funding for the latest replacement bridge was received under round 2A of the NSW government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

“This replacement emphasises council’s commitment to replacing all timber bridge structures in the shire as a long-term plan with planning starting more than 10 years ago with this bridge representing the last timber bridge replacement to be funded,” she said.

“Many of these timber bridges were built in the 1940s and 1950s and had become unsafe.”

Twelve bridges have been replaced or are in the process of being rebuilt as part of the NSW government’s Restart NSW Timber Bridge Replacement program, Resources for Regions and Roads to Recovery programs.

Other upgrades include Baradine Creek bridge, Dubbo Creek bridge, Wee Waa Lagoon Creek bridge, Brigalow Creek bridge, Barneys Spring Creek bridge, Eulah Creek bridge, Tarriaro bridge, Spring Creek bridge, Horsearm Creek bridge and Harparary bridge.

Council has also removed two old structures that had previously been replaced with concrete floodways on Pilliga Road and Millie Road.

Mrs Chaplain said the new bridges across the shire will enable council to meet both current needs and future demands, opening up the area for larger vehicles and a higher volume of traffic.

“Better bridges mean improved access, increased efficiencies for industry, easier movement of freight and better outcomes for road safety in our communities. These new bridges are part of a broader transport network that is more resilient and gives greater connectivity.”