Wee Waa residents got some welcome news today with confirmation that work to build the new Spring Creek Bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway is set to start in September.
Spring Creek Bridge is a major crossing over Spring Creek on the Kamilaroi Highway, 9.5 kilometres west of Narrabri. The $13.1 million upgrade, supported by $5 million from the Commonwealth Government and $8.1 million from the NSW Government, has long been needed to improve road safety, particularly for heavy vehicles and others that rely on the bridge to travel frequently between Narrabri and Wee Waa.
“The existing Spring Creek Culvert is more than 50 years old and has previously been subject to heavy vehicle restrictions and detours to allow for essential safety work to be carried out to stabilise the structure, creating significant inconvenience for regular users,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said.
“The new Spring Creek Bridge will be a stronger, wider structure that meets modern design standards along with current and future road network requirements.”
“The new bridge will also improve access for freight and, ultimately, provide greater travel efficiency for all users in the area.”
Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd has been confirmed as the successful contractor to build the new 64-metre-long bridge. It will be built on the same alignment as the existing culvert, with two-way traffic flow on the Kamilaroi Highway maintained via a temporary sealed side track throughout the construction phase.
“The awarding of this contract to Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd. is a significant milestone in this project not only for the people of Narrabri and Wee Waa, but for every traveller in that area,” Member for Barwon Roy Butler said.
“The Spring Creek Bridge is a vital link for road users travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, as well as for the local community, agriculture and freight industries.”
“The surety of having a bridge that will remain open in wet weather and will safely take heavier loads will be a great investment in western NSW,” he said.
“It will be great for producers transporting their produce, but it will also ensure that the road remains open and safe for all users.”
Work to build a temporary sealed side track around the project site started in August 2023 and has now been completed. Traffic will be switched on to the side track prior to the bridge replacement works getting underway.
Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
For more information visit nswroads.work/spring-creek-bridge.