• Works will soon start on a new two-lane concrete bridge to replace nearly 60-year-old single-lane timber bridge on Tenterden Road
• New bridge will better link local communities to Guyra and Armidale
• B-doubles and school buses will no longer need to make a 67 kilometre detour

Road works will soon start on a safer two-lane concrete bridge in Tenterden connecting to Guyra and Armidale.

 

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said this project was well overdue, and the new bridge would replace the ailing wooden structure, which was built in the 1960’s.

 

“The new bridge will also make life for those living in the area easier with school buses no longer required to make a 67 kilometre detour. This will also benefit B-double truck drivers,” Mr Chester said.

 

“The project is funded under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Programme, which upgrades local bridges across the country, ensuring communities and businesses can access essential services and easily move freight.”

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said his electorate of New England is reaping the benefits of the Australian Government’s investment in local infrastructure.

“To date, the Bridges Renewal Programme has seen the Australian Government commit over $4.3 million to local bridges across the region,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“This is a crucial investment in our regional economies, as better bridges reduce the time needed to move freight from farms and local industry, increasing productivity and economic gains.”

 

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the new concrete bridge will be constructed alongside the existing timber bridge, which will be demolished following the opening of the new bridge.

 

“The growth of farms, local businesses, and homes in the area makes the new Tenterden Bridge a timely investment in helping people get to town more quickly and safely,” Mrs Pavey said.

 

Armidale Regional Council Administrator Ian Tiley said the Council looks forward to undertaking the works on the Tenterden Road project in the coming weeks.

 

“This is an exciting time for our region as the new Council focuses on improving services and driving growth,” Dr Tiley said.

 

The Tenterden Road Bridge Replacement project is funded with the Australian Government committing $530,000, the New South Wales Government $510,000, and Armidale Regional Council $20,000.

 

Works on the Tenterden Road Bridge Replacement project are due for completion later this year. 

 

(ENDS)