New contract to replace Middlebrook Bridge

19 Sep 2017

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Barnaby Joyce

Federal Member for New England

Deputy Prime Minister

Leader of The Nationals

Michael Johnsen

NSW Member for Upper Hunter

Wayne Bedggood

Mayor

 

  • Contract awarded to replace single-lane timber bridge with a dual-lane concrete structure

  • Upgrade to improve safety and access for locals and livestock, freight and tourist vehicles

  • Project expected to start in October 2017 and to be completed in May 2018

 

The $2.328 million contract to replace the old timber bridge over Middlebrook Creek, just north of Scone on Middlebrook Road, has been awarded to Waeger Constructions.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the single-lane timber bridge, which is more than 60 year old, would be replaced with a new concrete structure providing dual-lane access.

 

“The new bridge will also allow for the speed limit to be lifted from 20 km/h to 100 km/h, which means time savings for all drivers,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“The replacement is being partly funded under the Coalition’s Bridges Renewal Programme, demonstrating the value of investing directly in critical local infrastructure. More than half of the cost will be covered by the Australian Government, helping the region’s businesses and residents access services and markets across the country.”

 

New South Wales Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the State Government had contributed $1.14 million to the project under its Fixing Country Roads program.

 

“The Fixing Country Roads program provides targeted funding to local councils like the Upper Hunter Shire Council to support important upgrades of regional New South Wales’ roads,” Mr Johnsen said.

 

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood said Waeger Constructions was expected to start work on the new 51-metre-long, 8.4-metre-wide bridge in October this year.

 

“Council has already started the road realignment works which are part of the overall project, and they are expected to be completed shortly after the bridge work is finalised,” Cr Bedggood said.

 

“The new Middlebrook Bridge will result in the load limit being removed, which is great news for producers and businesses which transport product using heavy vehicles.”

 

Access across the old bridge will be maintained while the new bridge is under construction.  Completion is expected by May 2018.

 

The $2.328 million project is funded with the Australian Government committing $1.164 million, the New South Wales Government $1.144 million and Upper Hunter Shire Council $20,000.

 

(ENDS)

 

 

 

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