Major works begin on $220.2m new Dubbo Bridge project in NSW

Following the appointment of Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure as builder, the $220.2 million new Dubbo Bridge project has now commenced construction. 

Major works on the project begins with the laying of the foundations for the new bridge. These works will start with drilling bore holes into the bedrock beneath the Macquarie River which will guide crews in driving steel tubes approximately 60 metres into the ground. Construction of columns that will hold up the bridge will follow. 

Early works commenced in August last year and works on the Brisbane Street and Darling Street intersection is almost complete. 

“There is something wonderful about watching a transformative project like this coming together and we know the people of Dubbo will stay engaged with this project every step of the way. 

“Early work to prepare the site compound and fence the work area has been ongoing since December and we are now hitting a magical milestone in this vitally important project with the start of construction. 

“Crews are now ready to start constructing the bridge’s permanent supports and 660 metre span,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The new 660-metre bridge will connect the western side of the Macquarie River to River Street, traversing the flood plain west of the river. 

The multi-million-dollar project will also include: 

• New and upgraded intersections at Whylandra Street, and the Newell Highway 
• Realigning the Newell Highway with new separated lanes north of Whylandra Street 
• Upgrading the intersection at Bourke Street and River Street 

“We’ve already built the new intersection of Brisbane and Darling streets that will improve traffic flow to the new bridge along River Street, which will be elevated above the floodplain. This is nearly completed and is set to open in coming weeks. 

“Once the 89 piles are installed, the first massive girders would be moved into place from late 2023. 

“The bridge will use 123 reinforced concrete girders to provide the framework to hold the approximately 5,000 tonne weight of the bridge deck. We will really see this work start to come together in early 2024,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

The new Dubbo Bridge project is jointly funded by the Australian ($176.2 million) and New South Wales Governments ($44 million), and it forms part of the more than $1 billion Newell Highway upgrades program. 

The new bridge infrastructure will help improve traffic efficiency as well as reduce congestion for locals, visitors and the freight industry while also improving access across the Macquarie River floodplain during extreme weather. 

The new Dubbo Bridge is anticipated to open to traffic in late 2026. 

“This is an exciting milestone for a game-changing project that will transform the way residents, tourists and freight operators move around and through Dubbo. 

“The NSW Government is building what matters to keep the state moving forward and locals will be critical in supporting the success of the project, with at least 20 per cent of the workforce coming from the Dubbo area. 

“We are improving the roads you use every day, to make sure you can get to work, school and essential services safely and efficiently,” State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said. 

The new Dubbo Bridge project is expected to create 290 direct and 1,200 indirect jobs during its construction. The project team will focus on engaging as well as supporting women, Aboriginal people, trainees and young workers in the delivery of this vital project. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW (1, 2)