Work is due to start at the end of this month to strengthen the main bridge that connects the western part of Dubbo across the Macquarie River to the CBD.
The $10 million revamp of Dubbo’s almost 50-year-old bridge is set to increase the life of the bridge, improve safety for road users and increase efficiency of the road network.
It will include the construction of two new piers to support a “drop in span”, according to a Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) report. Freyssinet Australia has been awarded the contract for the work.
RMS reports that the new piers, on either side of the Macquarie River, will “stop further long-term movements in the water span” and allow the bridge to take higher mass limited vehicles. RMS also expected the project will help to reduce the costs of maintenance.
The $10 million state government funding will also cover repairs to cracked concrete next to the bridge bearings.
“The work will begin in late October to strengthen the main bridge that connects West Dubbo to the rest of the city including its central business district,” said Troy Grant, state member for Dubbo.
“The NSW government was funding the 14-month project to increase the life of the bridge, improve safety for road users and increase efficiency of the road network.
“The 613m-long reinforced concrete bridge was first opened to the public in 1969, and at the time was the fourth longest highway bridge in NSW.
“Work on the bridge will include building two new piers within the Macquarie River to better support the span over the river.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Traffic will be affected when the new piers are connected to the bride deck and its barriers adjusted.
Strengthening of the LH Ford Bridge is one of five road infrastructure improvements projects in the planning for Dubbo.
The government has also allocated $20 million to the Newell and Mitchell highways intersection in West Dubbo for improvements including the installation of traffic lights.
Design development and planning is under way for a third and new $140 million bridge set to cross the river to connect to the Newell Highway near River Street in North Dubbo.
The Newell Highway will acquire heavy-duty pavement between Golf Links Road and Baird Street at a cost of $11 million.
About $14 million will also be spent on widening and installing traffic lights at the Mitchell Highway and Fitzroy Street intersection.
For more information on other projects under way, visit the RMS website.