PRU GOWARD: $5 Million Bridge Replacement program begins

Official Media Release from the Office of Pru Goward Thursday, 7 March 2019

A $5 million program to replace 11 timber bridges in the Yass Valley has begun, Member for Goulburn Pru Goward has announced.

“There are currently 11 timber bridges within the Yass Valley Local Government Area which are, due to their age, in poor condition and have had load limits of between four and 12.5 tonnes imposed,” Ms Goward said.  “That’s hampering efficient freight movements in the region, including stock and feed movements to local properties, as heavy vehicle loads need to be split and transferred to smaller vehicles.

Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman joined Ms Goward in making the announcement. “The viability of these bridges over the long-term is also at risk, so this is a very worthwhile project I am proud to support,” Ms Tuckerman said.

Yass Valley Council was awarded just under $2.5 million as part of the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program, half of the total project cost, with the council funding the remainder. Four of the timber bridges will be replaced with modular steel bridges, while the other seven will be replaced with concrete bridges.

Mayor Rowena Abbey welcomed the funding. “Delivery of this program will address the need to have load limits, thereby providing significant economic benefit to the region's agricultural sector and also improve road reliability for local residents, emergency services and our school buses.” 

“We are extremely grateful for the State Government for providing this substantial grant funding, as it has allowed us to fast-track this major infrastructure project which without the funding would have taken 25+ years to complete.” 

The 11 bridges being replaced are on Yass River Road, Black Range Road, Nottingham Road (two bridges) Childowa Road (three bridges), Burrunjuck Road, Leake Street, Graces Flat and Horseshoe Road. The Yass Valley Timber Bridge Replacement Project will continue into 2020.

7 March 2019

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