Organisers of the Stop the River St Bridge campaign in Dubbo, NSW, are ramping up their protests this week with a truck convoy through the town.
Truckies are invited to join in on Wednesday from 8.30am and also to carry VIP passengers along organisers’ preferred route which incorporates a high-level ring road bridge at Troy Junction.
They say the proposed bridge at River Street would actually increase congestion through the town, and its flooded approach roads would make it useless in stormy weather.
“The Newell Highway is receiving minuscule investment compared to the billions being spent on coastal highways and Sydney. The Newell needs to be upgraded to a dual carriage-way, road train rated and flood-proofed for its entire length.”
High-profile alternate route supporter, trucking advocate Rod Hannifey, will spearhead the convoy with shadow regional transport minister David Harris riding shotgun.
Along the route, organisers aim to highlight the various issues with sending large trucks through the centre of Dubbo and residential areas, and the need for a roadhouse with showers, shops, and a 24-hour restaurant, improved heavy vehicle parking and a driver/truck changeover facility.
The trucks will also return to the intersection with River St to demonstrate how difficult and dangerous it is for heavy vehicles to negotiate this turn. Both roads are only two lanes, with River Street being particularly narrow.
After the convoy, Harris will take questions from media, and other industry representatives.
If you would like to send a truck along with the convoy, contact head marshall Karina McLachlain, on 0406850857.
“Feel free to advertise your organisation/business and also attach a corflute for Stop The River St Bridge to your truck or vehicle,” said organisers.
The petition against the River Street bridge is scheduled to be debated in NSW parliament early this year.
For more information on the campaign and convoy event, click here.