Contract awarded for construction of the New Dubbo Bridge

Abergeldie awarded contract for $220M Dubbo Bridge — Artists impression of the new Dubbo Bridge, courtesy of Transport for NSW.

Abergeldie has been selected as the successful tenderer for the main construction contract to build the New Dubbo Bridge, across the Macquarie River in New South Wales.

The New Dubbo Bridge will aim to improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion for local, visiting and freight operators and commuters, and improve access across the Macquarie River floodplain during flood events.

The New Dubbo Bridge project forms part of more than $1 billion in upgrades along the Newell Highway, which are jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.

Early works on the project commenced in August 2022 with the Brisbane Street and Darling Street intersection works now well underway.

The project team is working on finalising the detailed design for the beautification of Wiradjuri Park with community consultation to commence this year, with the park required to be closed throughout construction.

Following investigation of six strategic options and community consultation, River Street was announced as the preferred route for the new bridge in May 2017.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project would unlock economic growth and productivity across the region.

“As we’ve seen in the recent flood events, roads and bridges are a vulnerable point which can leave communities cut off and put drivers at risk,” King said.

“The New Dubbo Bridge will transform the way residents and freight operators travel in and through Dubbo and western NSW.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said the project would also provide employment and industry experience for youth.

“It’s a golden opportunity for young job seekers, with university graduates making up 20 per cent of the total workforce and at least 15 per cent of the workforce aged under 25,” Farraway said.

“Twenty per cent of the qualified tradespersons working on the project must also be apprentices, providing those who are just starting out their career a chance to work on a legacy project that will change the shape of Dubbo.”

Abergeldie CEO, Mark Bruzzone said “We are delighted to be selected to deliver this highly complex project to provide a safer, more reliable journey for road users and the local community. The construction crew is highly experienced and has been onsite since June delivering the new Dubbo Bridge early works which have provided great opportunities for local labour and contractors. We look forward to staring construction soon.”

Major construction will begin in early 2023. The New Dubbo Bridge is expected to open in late 2026.

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