Work on the once-in-a-generation New Dubbo Bridge continues to progress with one third of the concrete deck, 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 $210.6 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $52.6 million.
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.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"It is exciting to see the new bridge rapidly taking shape and I'm proud to see the Australian and NSW governments' investments delivering for regional communities.
"New infrastructure like this is critical for the growth of regional communities and it will set Dubbo and western NSW up for the future."
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"This bridge will provide vital flood resilience and unlock more housing in Dubbo - providing essential infrastructure for an estimated 5,500 homes.
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver this project, supporting nearly 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in western NSW.
"On my recent visit to see the bridge I saw how transformative this bridge will be to Dubbo and I thank the workers who have given so much to this project and I thank the people of Dubbo for their patience."
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill:
"Once completed, the New Dubbo Bridge will transform the way western NSW residents, tourists and freight operators travel through Dubbo.
"The Bridge will reduce travel times in the city centre and improve access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events."
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor's spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:
"The Minns and Albanese governments are delivering transformative regional road infrastructure for Dubbo. It's been wonderful to see the progress of the new Dubbo Bridge construction.
"I'm pleased to see more than half of all people working on this project are from my local area, including many local apprentices and aspiring tradies through innovative employment programs. Many Dubbo businesses are benefiting from the economic activity being generated."
