Key NSW freight link opens ahead of schedule

The new Tulladunna Bridge, which crosses the Namoi River near Wee Waa in New South Wales has been completed one month earlier than anticipated.

Minister for Roads Duncan Gay and Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries today officially opened the new Tulladunna Bridge which crosses the Namoi River, a month ahead of schedule.

NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said in a statement that the new $12.2 million bridge located on the Kamilaroi Highway near Wee Waa will provide a continuous 400 kilometre route from Bourke to Narrabri for freight trucks carrying cotton, livestock, wool, hay and farm machinery.

“Wee Waa is recognised as the cotton capital of Australia, with one of the country’s leading cotton warehouse and packing facilities – Namoi Cotton Co-operative is located just outside the town centre,” Mr. Gay said.

“We want to ensure freight movements in and out of the area are efficient because this keep costs down for freight operators, at the farm gate and has flow benefits through the community.

“Prior to building this bridge, freight trucks higher than 5.4 metres or heavier than 42.5 tonnes were forced to take a lengthy detour via Narrabri, Moree, Collarenebri and Walgett along the Newell and Gwydir highways.

“The new bridge will save freight operators travelling to ports in eastern NSW up to three hours in travel time – significantly cutting costs for businesses and local farmers.”

The project involved building a new wider and longer concrete bridge with no mass or height restrictions, under the NSW Government’s Bridges for the Bush program.