Plans to replace the ageing Warroo Bridge over the Lachlan River west of Forbes in NSW have reached an “important milestone”, with the call going out for contractors to tender and lead construction on this project.
Funding has been secured to replace the timber truss Warroo Bridge with a new concrete bridge that the NSW government says will boost road safe transport efficiency and reliability for truck drivers, farmers and all other road users.
The existing bridge – located on Warroo Bridge Road 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres south-east of Condobolin – was built in 1909 and is now in poor condition.
It is not suitable for use by heavy vehicles with Higher Mass Limit (HML) loads or by modern agricultural equipment.
Tenders to build the new Warroo Bridge will close on Monday August 26, and bridge construction is expected to start by mid-2025 after a successful tenderer is selected and the contract is awarded.
Transport for NSW will carry out preliminary earthworks later this year to build new embankments on the approaches to the river crossing that will support the future construction of the new bridge.
The existing Warroo Bridge will remain in service throughout construction and until the new bridge is opened to traffic.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The NSW Labor Government’s 2024-25 Budget delivers a record $44.5 investment in regional transport and roads, with Western NSW receiving significant investments to deliver infrastructure upgrades like the Warroo Bridge replacement project.
“Warroo Bridge is the only major crossing of the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin that links Lachlan Valley Way and Henry Parkes Way, and is used by local traffic, tourists and vital regional freight operators.
“Thanks to strong advocacy from representatives like Orange MP Phil Donato and the government’s Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence, projects like the Warroo Bridge replacement project are progressing and the entire Central West region will benefit.”
Meanwhile, a $5.34m tender has been awarded to Saunders Civilbuild to replace the Brunners Bridge, located on Gresford Road over the Glendon Brook, en route to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange.
Works are due to begin in August 2024 and are estimated to be completed by late 2025, weather dependent – with a detour in place for all vehicles throughout the construction period.
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