Works are starting on a new bridge on the Golden Highway over Mudies Creek, between Belford and Mount Thorley.
The 30-metre-long bridge will be built around five metres above the current road level, which Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says is high enough to withstand a one in 100-year flood event.
The new single-span bridge is part of the $133 million Golden Highway program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the new bridge at Mudies Creek will help improve productivity and road safety.
“The Golden Highway is a critical link between the New England and Castlereagh Highways, servicing key mining and agricultural activities,” Zycki said.
“This is a vital upgrade to an important regional artery used by 7000 vehicles every day.
“The existing culvert over Mudies Creek and its approaches are subject to flooding in a one in five-year event, so improving access at this point will deliver significant benefits to local residents and businesses, as well visitors and freight operators.”
Work includes the realignment of a one-kilometre section of the road to the south of its current location, to allow for the new Mudies Creek crossing.
The project is expected to take around 24 months to complete, opening to traffic in mid-2027.