The NSW Government has announced two timber bridges in the Upper Hunter Electorate will receive funding through Round Two of the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said it is fantastic that the NSW Government is investing another $564,906 locally in stronger and longer lasting infrastructure for regional NSW.
“This funding will allow for Singleton Council and Muswellbrook Shire Council to upgrade timber bridges to concrete bridges.”
Singleton Council receives $320,000 to upgrade the single lane, one span timber bridge on Dyrring Road, Westbrook which goes across a dry creek bed that forms a tributary of West Brook.
Muswellbrook Shire Council can replace the existing single lane timber culvert at Rainbow Creek Bridge on Sandy Creek Road, McCullys Gap with a new concrete culvert after securing $244,906.
“Safer and stronger bridges will help keep motorists moving around the Upper Hunter electorate for generations to come,” Mr Layzell added.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said $49.25 million has been awarded to replace 34 timber bridges with concrete bridges across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“Our government is getting on with the job of building infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and protect our supply chain,” Mr Farraway said.
“That’s why we’re pushing ahead with Round 2A of the Fixing Country Bridges program in LGAs where councils are ready to get work, so these projects can get started.
“We’ll continue to work with councils across the rest of the state, many of which have been hit hard by natural disasters like floods to firm up the remaining bridges.
“With each bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for heavy vehicles from freight to the local school bus and RFS tankers.
“Improving access for freight companies helps them to reduce their operational costs, which will ultimately reduce costs for NSW families when buying the goods at the local supermarket.”
A total of $290 million has already been awarded to councils under Round One of Fixing Country Bridges to replace more than 400 timber structures across 54 LGAs across the state.
Councils will have 30 days to accept the funding on offer and will deliver their projects within 30 months of signing the funding agreement.
The outcome of all other eligible applications submitted in Round Two of the Fixing Country Bridges Program is expected to be announced towards the end of this year.
