The NSW Government has today announced two timber bridges across Lithgow will receive funding through Round Two of the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said it is fantastic that the NSW Government is investing in stronger and longer lasting infrastructure in regional NSW.
“This funding will allow for Lithgow City Council to upgrade Red Hill Road bridge and Charles Street bridge from timber bridges to concrete bridges.”
“Safer and stronger bridges will help keep motorists moving around the Lithgow region for generations to come.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said $49.25 million has been awarded to replace 34 timber bridges with concrete bridges across 21 Local Government Areas (LGA).
“Our government is getting on with the job of building infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and protect our supply chain,” Mr Farraway said.
“That’s why we’re pushing ahead with Round 2A of the Fixing Country Bridges program in LGAs where councils are ready to get work, so these projects can get started.
“We’ll continue to work with councils across the rest of the state, many of which have been hit hard by natural disasters like floods to firm up the remaining bridges.
“With each bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for heavy vehicles from freight to the local school bus and RFS tankers.
“Improving access for freight companies helps them to reduce their operational costs, which will ultimately reduce costs for NSW families when buying the goods at the local supermarket.”
A total of $290 million has already been awarded to councils under Round 1 of Fixing Country Bridges to replace more than 400 timber structures across 54 LGAs across the state.
Councils will have 30 days to accept the funding on offer and will deliver their projects within 30 months of signing the funding agreement.
The outcome of all other eligible applications submitted in Round 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges Program is expected to be announced towards the end of 2022.
Background on bridges
The Red Hill Road bridge was constructed in 1937, is in a remote location, and is in an advanced state of deterioration with little maintenance been undertaken to the structure in recent years. Replacing it with a reinforced concrete structure will ensure the safety of the structure for years to come and will improve its resistance to bushfire damage.
Charles Street Bridge was constructed in 1954 and is generally in poor condition, with piles and decking requiring replacement. Little maintenance has been conducted on the structure in the past three years. Replacing this timber structure with a reinforced concrete bridge will ensure the safety of the structure for years to come and will provide continuity of access for residents that reside in the western edge of the Rydal village.
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