Another major project to improve safety on the Newell Highway, north of Moree, is now complete, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspecting $4.9 million in strengthening works undertaken on Wallon Creek Bridge.
Tuesday, 23 November 2021
ANOTHER major project to improve safety on the Newell Highway, north of Moree, is now complete, with motorists benefiting from a safer and smoother journey thanks to $4.9 million strengthening works undertaken on Wallon Creek Bridge.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the Wallon Creek Bridge would re-open to traffic at 5pm today.
“The work on the steel bridge, about 30 kilometres north of Moree, involved driving a total of 36 steel piles into the ground, four at each of the nine pier locations, to build steel strengthening frames,” Mr Marshall said.
“From this evening the bridge will again be open to two-way traffic with 80km/per hour speed limit in place until new line marking is done soon.
“The strengthening work undertaken will help ensure the bridge can withstand both local traffic and the increasing number of heavy freight vehicles.
“The bridge was built in 1967 and served the community and the freight industry incredibly well for more than 50 years and I expect this work will see it through another 50.
“I’d like to thank motorists and locals for their patience while this work was carried out – we can all now have a safer, smoother and more reliable journey over this bridge.”
Mr Marshall said the State Government investment had significantly supported the local job market.
“This contribution demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building a safer and stronger Newell Highway, capable of servicing northern NSW’s agriculture and freight sectors for generations to come,” Mr Marshall said.
“At a local level, the Wallon Creek Bridge strengthening project supported the jobs of 20 people over the past few months, providing a significant boost to the Moree Plains Shire economy.”
The side-track that was built next to the bridge for the duration of the work is now closed, and the Newell Highway is once again open to all traffic over the crossing.