Jacksons Bridge over the Lachlan River at Hillston in NSW is one of 400 of the state’s ageing timber bridges being replaced under the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Work started in March to build a new $2.17m concrete version that Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said will have an increased load limit of 100 tonnes, saving heavy vehicle drivers a detour of 262 kilometres.
“Agriculture is a critical part of the Hillston economy, so replacing the old 39 metre-long single carriageway timber bridge, which was subject to load limitations, with a two-lane concrete bridge with higher load limits will better serve the local primary producers and freight operators,” Toole said.
“The upgrade will also allow better access for emergency service vehicles, and deliver safer, more efficient journeys for locals to travel to town.”
The NSW government has accelerated funding for the Fixing Country Bridges program with more than $280 million shared across 53 councils in round one.
“That’s hundreds of fast-tracked projects getting underway and helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” Toole said.
“This unprecedented funding commitment to replace NSW’s worst timber bridges builds on the $500 million we’re investing through Fixing Local Roads to deliver better journeys on the roads our regional communities use every day.
Jacksons Bridge is one of seven bridges being replaced across the Murray electorate under round one of the program, with new concrete bridges to be built in Carrathool, Hay and Murray River local government areas.
For more information on the Fixing Country Bridges program, click here.