Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today announced the start of a $4.5 million project to upgrade the Wallon Creek Bridge, on the Newell Highway, 30 kilometres north of Moree.
Tuesday, 23 February 2021.
THE steel bridge across Wallon Creek on the Newell Highway north of Moree will undergo $4.5 million in strengthening work to ensure it remains suitable for all vehicles, especially an increasing number of trucks, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing the start of works today.
Mr Marshall said work on the bridge, 30 kilometres north of Moree, demonstrated the State Government’s commitment to a safer and stronger regional NSW and would also ensure the continued safety of all motorists and efficient movement of freight in the region.
“This work builds on the State’s $500 million investment into upgrading the Newell Highway to improve connectivity and safety for all road users along this key freight route,” Mr Marshall said.
“Preparations will start today to build a side track, so traffic can continue to flow on this part of the Newell Highway during work.
“Constructed in 1967, the bridge has stood up to drought followed by heavy rainfall and has served its purpose well but needs to be strengthened to ensure it meets the community and freight industry’s needs into the future.
“This project will support 10 jobs and includes the underpinning the existing bridge with new steel to strengthen the structure.
“Once completed, temporary traffic controls will be removed and the speed limit increased from 80 km/h to 110 km/h to align with the rest of the Newell Highway between Moree and Boggabilla.”
In early April, Newell Highway traffic will be diverted onto the side-track for the duration of the strengthening work which is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Work on the side track will be carried out from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm, weather permitting.
Motorists should follow the direction of traffic controllers and all signs, including reduced speed limits.
Mr Marshall said this project built on the almost $90 million invested so far into replacing the 28-kilometre section of the Newell Highway between Mungle Back Creek and Boggabilla.
“This level of investment improving this key freight and tourist route is unprecedented and will bring huge economic dividends to the Moree Plains Shire,” he said.
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