Funding secured for new low level crossing in Manilla

Tamworth Regional Council’s application to the NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, Growing Local Economies Fund, for $7,896,500 in funding for the construction of a low level crossing in Manilla, has been successful.

The low level crossing will cross over the Namoi River parallel to the Manilla Bridge in Arthur Street, from Market Street to Lloyd Street.

Councillor Maxwell welcomed the announcement: “Council is committed to ensuring we continue to develop and improve our road infrastructure across the region, including Manilla.

“The existing bridge which crosses the Namoi River from Manilla Road, is narrow and does not permit more than one heavy vehicle to cross at a time.

“A new low level crossing will provide a key piece of infrastructure that will enable future economic development for the region whilst improving the safety and livability for locals and tourists,” he said.

Council has committed to funding an additional 10% of the capital expenditure for the project, bringing the total cost of the project to $8.7 million.

The Manilla low level crossing project aligns with the objective for future investment in regional NSW in the ‘Regional NSW Services and Infrastructure Plan’ which falls under the NSW ‘Future Transport Strategy 2056’.

The aim is to provide manufacturers and producers with the opportunity to participate in the global economy by connecting them to domestic and international consumer markets.

Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said: “This is great news for the almost 121,000 vehicles that cross the Namoi carrying about 985,000 tonnes of freight annually.

“The historic and narrow, 110 metres-long bridge that was completed in 1886 is a bottleneck for traffic.

“The proposed low-level bridge will save an estimated 48,000 kilometres and more than 6,800 hours of travel each year.

“Tamworth Regional Council should be congratulated for this funding win and I look forward to seeing how this funding will bring benefits for local contractors in the short term and the growth it will provide businesses in the region in the long-term.”

It is estimated that this project will create 33 jobs for the local region while flow-on effects of the project will have an indirect positive impact with the purchase of local goods and services estimated to create an additional 26 jobs.

A part 5 Infrastructure and environmental impact assessment will be conducted in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 No.203 to ensure the bridge is constructed with minimal impact to the local environment.

The river crossing has been modelled on a recent Flood Plain Risk Management study which was completed in 2017.