Work on the once-in-a-generation new Dubbo Bridge continues to progress with one third of the concrete deck now in place, which will eventually support traffic crossing, now in place.
The Australian and NSW governments are investing $263.2 million to deliver this region shaping piece of infrastructure on the Newell Highway in Dubbo.
The Australian Government has committed $210.6m towards the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $52.6m.
The decking along the 660 metre bridge structure is being built in sections, with each section involving the pouring of about 105 cubic metres of concrete to provide a deck slab of up to 25 centimetres in depth.
The deck pours will be carried out progressively while the rest of the bridge takes shape, with the final deck pour expected in mid-2025.
Once the concrete deck is completed, the final step in building the bridge surface will be to add an eight centimetre thick layer of asphalt.
Pile driving was recently completed along the entire length of the new structure which crosses the Macquarie River and a section of the floodplain east of the river.
Construction is also underway for the network of roads that will link the bridge to the Dubbo road network, including road widening work at the intersections of Whylandra and Thompson streets and River and Bourke streets.
The New Dubbo Bridge Project is due to be completed in late 2026, weather permitting.
Abergeldie is working with Transport for NSW to deliver the bridge, which will improve traffic congestion in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events.
The scope of work includes:
- Construction of a new 660m, dual lane, 20-span, high-level bridge over the Macquarie River connecting the western side of the Macquarie River to River Street.
- Construction of 2.2km of new (Newell) highway and intersection upgrades between the Thompson Street – Whylandra Street intersection and the River Street – Bourke Street intersection, including intersections and adjoining roads.
- Construction of retaining wall structures along sections of River Street.
- Removal of access from Darling Street into River Street and adjustments to the Brisbane Street and River Street intersection.
- Relocation and adjustments of utilities, services, drainage and streetlights.
The New Dubbo Bridge will be the largest bridge in Central Western NSW, providing a high-level river crossing over the Macquarie River to improve travel efficiency and route reliability during flood events. The upgrade works on Newell Highway will reduce congestion for local and visiting commuters and provide better connections for freight moving through the Central West of NSW.
With a workforce of around 650 people with more than 55 percent of workers from the local area, this project is providing opportunities for locals and is engaging local businesses to supply various products and services.
The project has engaged 74 local businesses and eight Aboriginal businesses since major construction started, and this remains a key focus as we continue to build the project.