The first sod was turned on Friday morning to officially commence construction of the new $4 million Emu Crossing Bridge at Bundarra.
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The new bridge over the Gwydir River will replace the existing low-level Emu Crossing Bridge with a higher, longer and wider structure designed to cope with major flooding events and to keep the region’s freight moving.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who turned the sod with Uralla Shire Council Mayor Michael Pearce, said it was a “momentous occasion for Bundarra and the region”.
He said he was pleased with the speedy start of the project, since Newcastle-based company Civilbuild Pty Ltd had won the contract to build the new bridge in May.
“Work was expected to commence in August, so the community and I are delighted to see the project getting underway ahead of schedule,” he said.
“Weather permitting, the new bridge will be completed by the end of June next year and will make a huge difference, not only to the Bundarra community but the entire Northern Tablelands region. The current single lane bridge was built in 1919 and is regularly closed during minor flooding, resulting in a 95 kilometre detour for road users, so it will save motorists hours of travel time.”
Mr Marshall said the road was a key transport and freight route for the people and businesses of the Northern Tablelands, with more than 550 vehicle movements across the current bridge each day – 30 per cent of them trucks.
“Thunderbolts Way is the only direct transport route between the towns of Bundarra, Bingara, Warialda and Inverell in the west, connecting to Armidale, including to the Armidale Airport and the state’s road network,” he said.
Congratulating the Bundarra community on its hard work and perseverance, Mr Marshall said he was proud to partner with Uralla Shire Council and the local community to deliver this important infrastructure project for the region.
“The local community have been seeking a new bridge for more than 70 years and as early as 1935, the then Gostwyck Shire Council began making representations to the State Government for financial assistance to replace the bridge,” he said.
“With the NSW Government’s large funding commitment as well as a contribution from Uralla Shire Coun-cil, the bridge will be upgraded to two lanes providing a structure able to cope with a one in 50 year flood.
