Application made for timber bridge replacements in the Capertee Valley

This month, Lithgow City Council has made application for funding under the NSW Government Fixing Country Bridges program for the replacement of three timber bridges on Glen Davis Road.

Glen Davis Road, connecting the Castlereagh Highway to the villages of Glen Alice and Glen Davis, currently features three single lane timber bridges each of which were constructed in the early 1940s. Recent assessments predict that maintenance requirements for this ageing infrastructure will increase in the coming years.

“With this information, Council engineers have seized the opportunity offered by the NSW Government to replace Coco Creek, Crown Creek and Airlie Creek bridges with modern, dual-lane, concrete structures,” said Lithgow City Council Mayor, Councillor Ray Thompson. “Should these bridges require a temporary closure for any reason, detours of over 100 kilometres would apply which is a concern to Council. I am very pleased that Council is acting proactively to seek the financial assistance required to upgrade these assets.”

“Replacement of these timber bridges will come at a total cost of just over $5 million,” noted Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Jonathon Edgecombe. “However, this significant cost is offset by meeting Lithgow City Council’s strategic objective of enhancing regional development by connecting people and places in growing regions. By delivering improved rural community access and safety, Council is expanding on its targeted approach to delivering regional value through improved transport services and infrastructure that cater for the needs of the future.”

“By prioritizing this project,” said Mayor Thompson, “Council aims to reduce future maintenance obligations, improve service standards to the community and further promote all that Lithgow has to offer. I sincerely thank Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole for their continued dedication to transport outcomes in regional and rural areas. Combined with the $1.83 million of joint Commonwealth, state and local funding allocated to the sealing of Glen Alice Road and Glen Davis Road, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Capertee Valley.”