Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right), State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders (third from right) and Dubbo Regional Mayor Mathew Dickerson (second from right) pictured with representatives from Transport for NSW and Abergeldie at the sod turn for the Brisbane and Darling streets intersection upgrade, marking the start of the New Dubbo Bridge Project.

 Work has now begun on the $220.2 million New Dubbo Bridge project, with the first phase of the early works now underway.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was today joined by State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders and representatives from Dubbo Regional Council and Transport for NSW to turn the first sod for the realignment of the intersections of Brisbane and Darling streets.

“It’s great to be here today to see work get underway, marking a significant milestone for this project,” Mr Coulton said.

“The first phase of the project will involve a realignment and reconstruction at the northern end of Darling Street, moving it to intersect with Brisbane Street instead of River Street.

“This intersection upgrade is being delivered by civil engineering company Abergeldie and is expected to take around five months to complete.

“The Dubbo community will reap the rewards during this construction phase which will deliver hundreds of local jobs and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.”

The new intersection is one of three early works packages to support the construction of the New Dubbo Bridge.

The work will include earthworks, construction of new road pavement, drainage works, minor adjustments to property fencing, and installation of signage and safety barriers.

Mr Coulton said once complete, the new bridge will ease congestion and maintain reliable access through Dubbo during flood events.

“We’ve seen how flooding impacts access across the Macquarie River, and this new bridge will be an important high-level route for when the Emile Serisier Bridge is submerged during a flood event,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is about ensuring safe passage through Dubbo during future flood events and providing practical solutions to the problems caused by flooding in the past.

“The new bridge will not only keep local commuters moving during flood events, but it will improve the traffic flow on the Newell Highway in general, enhancing safety and reducing travel times for all road users.

“It will also be a key link in our regional road network and will improve freight efficiency and productivity.”

The Australian Government is investing $176.2 million into the New Dubbo Bridge project, while the NSW Government is contributing the remainder of funds.

The intersection upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic in early 2023, weather permitting.

For more information, go to Newell Highway Upgrade – New Dubbo Bridge – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW.