A funding injection will ensure safer passage for road users.
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The funding will be used to replace an ageing timber deck with a reinforced concrete deck utilising the existing reinforced concrete piers.
New England Barnaby Joyce MP said the 2016 election commitment would give the community and visitors to the area, known as New England’s ‘foodie capital’, safer and more reliable access.
“We have $800,000 supplied by the federal government to upgrade Munsies Bridge to make it high mass load compliant,” Mr Joyce said.
“This is vitally important because it starts to underpin further the economy in the area making sure we can move product, as required and when required around, the electorate to keep the money flowing back through the farm gate and the economy in the towns.”
The announcement is part of a federal government scheme to upgrade 22 bridges in the New England.
“This is yet another example of the Australian Government investing in local regional infrastructure projects that improve safety and travel times, including for communities and freight operators that rely on good access and connectivity for their day-to-day business,” Mr Joyce said.
“Gostwyck Road is a designated tourist route that provides access between Uralla on the New England Highway and the Gostwyck, Mihi and Enmore districts.
“Replacing the existing timber bridge deck with a new concrete one will reduce maintenance costs and the frequency of closures. It also means drivers will no longer need to make a lengthy detour through Armidale to avoid the old bridge.
“The upgraded bridge’s higher load capacity has additional economic benefits though reducing freight costs and further strengthening the local economy by providing a more direct route for heavy vehicles delivering goods to market.”
The structure will remain single lane but will be capable of carrying B-Doubles.
Uralla shire mayor Michael Pearce said council was thankful for the new upgrade.
“It will really impacted on the landowners out here,” Cr Pearce said.
Work on Munsie Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2018, weather permitting