Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspecting progress on the $1.06 million Tenterden Road Bridge replacement project last week.
Tuesday, 20 February 2018
WORK on the $1.06 million Tenterden Road Bridge replacement west of Guyra is progressing well, according to Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall inspected the construction last week and commended Armidale Regional Council crews on the quality of work so far.
“The project involves replacing the old and dangerous single-lane timber bridge with a two-lane concrete structure over Georges Creek along Tenterden Road, as well as new bridge approaches for the newly aligned road,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new bridge abutments and piers have been constructed and the girders, deck and guard railing installed – now council staff are busily building the new bridge approaches on either side.
“It is an impressive sight and I cannot wait to see the bridge completed soon and the first vehicles driving across it.”
Mr Marshall said the new two-lane bridge would dramatically improve safety and increase productivity for local companies by opening up the area to heavier freight vehicles that previously couldn’t use the old crossing.
“The bridge will eliminate a potential detour of 67 kilometres for heavy vehicles, shortening travel distances and lowering freight costs,” he said.
“This investment from the government will provide the community with a more reliable bridge which will last longer and reduce council’s maintenance costs. Vehicles of all sizes will now have a safer, more efficient trip to and from Guyra.
“Importantly, emergency services will be able to access Tenterden and Guyra and the school bus can continue to cross the new bridge to collect children from Tenterden.”
The $1.06 million Tenterden Road Bridge replacement project received $510,000 from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program, $530,000 Australian Government as well as $20,000 from Armidale Regional Council, which is managing the works.