Manildra residents have celebrated the completion of the once-in-a-generation Mandagery Creek Bridge replacement project at a special community event which saw the unveiling of a heritage interpretation area to commemorate the history of the bridge.
The NSW Government provided $12 million to construct the new bridge, which includes a pedestrian footpath, wider lanes and a higher mass limit to boost transport efficiency throughout western NSW.
The new bridge opened to two-way traffic recently and work crews have now completed the finishing work which includes:
- new signage
- linemarking
- footpaths
- fencing
- construction of a heritage interpretation area.
The bridge provides an important link for Manildra residents to access the town centre, as well as for motorists and freight operators travelling between Orange and Parkes.
An innovative 'half-half' construction method was used to replace the bridge on its original alignment which involved partially demolishing and then constructing the upstream half of the bridge, before repeating the process for the downstream half.
This construction method meant there was a continuous single lane traffic flow across Mandagery Creek during almost all of the construction period.
NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"The engineers behind this bridge build need to be congratulated for their ingenuity - progressively demolishing and building the bridge on the same alignment to minimise disruption to traffic, which is particularly important for local industry and the movement of freight.
"There are now no limitations on freight movements across the bridge, allowing for reduced travel times in getting materials from paddock to processing.
"We want to thank the whole community of Manildra for their support throughout the duration of the project.
"Well before construction started, I was pleased to hear Transport for NSW worked closely with the community and stakeholders including Cabonne Council, the Manildra and District Improvement Association, Manildra Group, MSM Milling and emergency services to prepare for the project.
"As well as a new bridge, locals and visitors now have a special place to stop, sit and appreciate the local history of the creek crossing at the heritage interpretation area."
Labor's spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC said:
"It's great to see the history of this iconic bridge being honoured permanently.
"The first Mandagery Creek Bridge was built in 1879 and two horsedrawn wagons were the first traffic to cross it, but after 49 years of service, it was washed away by floodwater in February 1928. A concrete bridge was built to replace it in almost the same position, which was opened on 21 April 1930.
"But 90 years later, that bridge was in poor condition and failing to meet modern design standards.
"We now have a replacement bridge that meets current design standards and will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
"A big shout out to the hard working project team who, despite significant delays due to weather and losing the established project site in the 2022 flood, ensured the project was finished on time."
