Construction continues to ramp up on $263.2m New Dubbo Bridge project

The ne Dubbo Bridge on the Newell Highway in new South Wales continues to take shape with one-third of the concrete deck now in place. 

This milestone takes the $263.2 million project a step closer to providing improved traffic flow and better access across the Macquarie River during flood events. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $210.6 million and $52.6 million respectively. 

“It is exciting to see the new bridge rapidly taking shape and I’m proud to see the Australian and NSW governments’ investments delivering for regional communities. 

“New infrastructure like this is critical for the growth of regional communities and it will set Dubbo and western NSW up for the future,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The 660-metre bridge is being built in sections. Each deck slab for the bridge will have a depth of up to 25 centimetres and it involves pouring about 105 cubic metres of concrete. 

The concrete pours are carried out progressively while the bridge is being built, with the final concrete pour expected in mid-2025. 

The final step in the construction of the new Dubbo Bridge after the concrete deck is completed will involve adding an eight centimetre thick layer of asphalt. 

“This bridge will provide vital flood resilience and unlock more housing in Dubbo – providing essential infrastructure for an estimated 5,000 homes. 

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver this project, supporting nearly 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in western NSW. 

“On my recent visit to see the bridge I saw how transformative this bridge will be to Dubbo and I thank the workers who have given so much to this project and I thank the people of Dubbo for their patience,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

Meanwhile, pile driving works were recently completed along the entire length of the new bridge that crosses the Macquarie River as well as a section of the floodplain east of the river. 

Works are also underway for the network of roads linking the bridge to the Dubbo road network. This includes road widening works at the intersections of Whylandra and Thompson streets as well as River and Bourke streets. 

Weather permitting, the New Dubbo Bridge project is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

“Once completed, the New Dubbo Bridge will transform the way western NSW residents, tourists and freight operators travel through Dubbo. 

“The Bridge will reduce travel times in the city centre and improve access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events,” Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill said. 

“The Minns and Albanese governments are delivering transformative regional road infrastructure for Dubbo. It’s been wonderful to see the progress of the new Dubbo Bridge construction. 

“I’m pleased to see more than half of all people working on this project are from my local area, including many local apprentices and aspiring tradies through innovative employment programs. Many Dubbo businesses are benefiting from the economic activity being generated,” NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW; Roads & infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine