Celebrating funding to replace the narrow wooden Boorolong Creek Bridge yesterday, local grazier Tim Light, left, Mayor Ian Tiley, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, General Manager James Roncon and local farmer Chris Swindale.
Thursday, 25 February 2021
THE almost 60-year-old wooden Boorolong Creek Bridge, north-east of Armidale, will soon be replaced to improve road safety, freight movements and reduce disruptions in the local road network, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $1.204 million grant for Armidale Regional Council under the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program.
Mr Marshall was joined by local Boorolong farmers and Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley and General Manager James Roncon said yesterday to inspect the decrepit single lane structure.
He said the funding would allow council to completely replace the bridge with a larger, wider concrete structure which would dramatically reduce council’s maintenance costs.
“Boorolong Creek Bridge will be replaced by a new two-lane concrete bridge that will better withstand events like floods and bushfires, ease the burden of maintenance for council and ratepayers and be much safer for all road users,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is great news for those who live out on Boorolong Road, who have all had bad experiences on the bridge from near misses, to motorists not giving way to oncoming traffic.
“With this funding now allocated, council will be able to go to tender for the construction before the end of the financial year.
“On top of easing the financial burden on council, the new bridge will ensure the continued free flow of agricultural produce to market.
“By funding this work the State Government is supporting improved community connections to schools, towns and development of jobs.”
Cr Tiley said the funding would cover the total cost of replacing the bridge, which would significantly enhance council’s Bridge Renewal Program.
“Council is currently making inroads into its program to replace ageing timber bridges with new concrete structures,” Cr Tiley said.
“Recently, upgraded bridges include Shingle Hut Bridge on Castledoyle Road and Pint Pot Bridge, while Dumaresq Creek Bridge on Cookes Road is currently under construction.
“Council welcomes the funding for Boorolong Creek Bridge, which is located on an important agricultural access link.
“Since the 2016 council merger the number of timber bridges in the council area has been reduced from 32 to 23 with a further three under construction and this grant will continue to reduce the number of old timber structure bridges which is great news for our constituents.”
Mr Marshall said a second round of the program would be offered later this year, presenting an opportunity for council to secure further funds to replace even more old timber bridges.