Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced $7.1 million of NSW Government funding to replace three bridges in the Hilltops region.
Spring Creek Road Bridge, Cudgell Creek Bridge and Hannons Bridge will be upgraded to increase their carrying capacity and their safety after Ms Cooke unveiled the funding from Round 3 of the Fixing Country Roads program
“These bridges are vital links in our roads network across the Hilltops region, not only for private users but also for freight delivery as well,” Ms Cooke said.
“Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads is helping regional communities by upgrading worn out bridges, sealing often unpassable roads, building and upgrading truck washes and offering alternatives for people needing to travel between freight facilities, regional communities and main state roads.”
- Spring Creek Road Bridge is receiving $2.2 million for a full bridge replacement to enable greater carrying capacity, eliminating a detour currently affecting 7500 heavy vehicles every year.
- Cudgell Creek Bridge is receiving $2.5 million for another full replacement allowing for heavier loads and continued efficient access for primary producers along Old Forbes Road.
- Hannons Bridge in Murringo Gap Road is receiving $2.4 million for replacement with a bridge allowing heavier loads, eliminating a 40km detour for more than 4400 heavy vehicles every year.
The Fixing Country Roads scheme places an emphasis on projects which show the potential to improve freight delivery, journey times and safety.
“These are important benefits for all the community, from producers to tourists, or the local school bus who all share these roads,” Ms Cooke said.
“Increased road safety and improved productivity are two absolutely crucial results for the Hilltops community and I’m delighted to be able to make these announcements today,” Ms Cooke added.
Mayor of Hilltops Council Brian Ingram said the bridge upgrades would enable safer and more efficient travel on Hilltops roads.
“Bridges are key parts of our roads network and when a bridge isn’t strong enough to carry its regular traffic load, that impacts private and commercial users,” Mr Ingram said.
“We have worked with the NSW Government to identify and act to make sure bridges are up to the job, and I’d like to thank Steph for her support in this process.”
NSW Restart Fixing Country Roads is a $543 million program targeted to improve regional interconnectivity and productivity.
CAPTION: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with, from left, Hilltops Council Mayor Brian Ingram, Hilltops Council General Manager Edwina Marks and John Osland, Director of Infrastructure, Hilltops Council, by Spring Creek Road Bridge, which is receiving $2.2 million for a full bridge replacement.
