A sustained, long-term approach to infrastructure management is delivering real benefits for road users, with Tamworth Regional Council strengthening key transport links across the region through the replacement of ageing timber bridges.
Council inherited 67 timber bridges in 2004 when it was formed by amalgamation, with many in a state of decline. Located across some of the most remote and rural parts of the Local Government Area (LGA), the bridges posed varying levels of risk in terms of safety for road users and productivity for local primary producers.
Fast forward to today, and 64 of the 67 bridges have now been replaced with a mix of concrete culverts and bridges, marking a significant milestone in the program.
On top of that, the majority of those bridge projects have been, at least partly, funded with assistance from external sources.
"Council has made a clear and consistent commitment to improving our transport network, ensuring our communities remain connected and our industries can move efficiently and safely across the region," said Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb.
"The Timber Bridge Replacement program is an example of excellence in asset management, planning, collaboration across all levels of Government, and delivering safer outcomes for the community,"
The recent completion of Mick Mahers Bridge in Moonbi and Walters Bridge in Duri mark the 63rd and 64th bridges to be completed.
Since 2004, nearly $32 million has been invested in replacing timber bridges across the region, with Council maximising the value for ratepayers by successfully applying for over $15 million from external funding sources.
The program has been successful in connecting our region, and now Council is looking to renew some of the older concrete bridges and major culverts across the LGA.
"Council has a robust asset inspection process, and through that our staff have identified a number of crossings that are a high priority for us to renew before they cause an issue", said Tamworth Regional Council Operations and Construction Manager Murray Russell.
Included in these priorities are Wiseman's Culvert on Garthowen Road, and Wallamore Road between Goddard and Bowlers Lane.
"Upgrading these crossings and being able to reduce the load limits of these roads will have real benefits to our primary producers and our regional economy," said Mr Russell.
"There are also bridges such as Somerton Bridge which have been badly damaged by flooding, and we are in the process of redesigning so we can apply for external funding."
Council remains committed to investing in transport infrastructure that supports community wellbeing, economic development and long-term regional connectivity, ensuring the road network continues to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic region.
These new projects will add to Council's existing transport network renewal including major resealing and heavy patching, major road repairs on Carthage and Marius Streets, natural disaster repairs on Barry Road and Port Stephens Cutting, pedestrian safety improvements, and new shared path infrastructure. You can stay up to date on Major Projects | Tamworth Regional Council
