Murwillumbah’s transport network has received a major boost with the opening of the new $1.9 million Dunbible Creek Bridge this month.
The bridge in the New South Wales town received $950,000 under the Australian Government’s $300 million Bridges Renewal Program.
“The old timber structure was susceptible to flood damage, could not carry heavier vehicles and was deteriorating rapidly,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said in a statement.
“The new 47-metre dual-lane bridge has a design life of 100 years. The four‑metre wide carriageways will improve the movement of traffic, while the cycleway and pedestrian facilities will improve community amenity.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Bridges Renewal Program, which will provide up to half of the total project cost for hundreds of bridge projects across Australia, is delivering significant productivity improvements to local communities.
“Residents and freight operators will appreciate spending less time on the road while travelling to their destinations,” Mr. McCormack said.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Council Katie Milne also said in a statement that she was delighted to see the bridge come to fruition.
“Residents of the area are well aware of how susceptible this bridge has been to flooding and its challenges in handling heavy vehicle traffic,” Cr Milne said.
“The council funded 50 per cent of this project in partnership with the Australian Government. I am delighted our nomination of this bridges renewal proposal was successful and will ensure local and interstate traffic moves more efficiently.”