Truck drivers and local motorists will enjoy a safer and faster journey when crossing the Namoi River with a reduced likelihood of the route closing during intense storms or flood, following the opening of a new two lane bridge at Arthur Street in Manilla.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson celebrated the opening of the new 140m state of the art bridge alongside Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray. The bridge was made possible by a $7.9 million from the NSW Government’s Growing local Economies Fund, as well as contributions from Transport for NSW and Tamworth Regional Council.
Mr Anderson said the NSW Government funding for the Namoi River Crossing Project eliminates the need for heavy vehicles to detour through local streets and increases safety for suburban traffic using the existing bridge.
“Manilla currently sees a cavalcade of heavy trucks going right down the main street on a daily basis. This new bridge will change that, breathing new life into the historic town of Manilla,” Mr Anderson said.
“The completion of this bridge preserves Manilla’s iconic main street while helping to improve safety, cut freight times and reduce the wear and tear on vehicles, reducing vehicle maintenance costs and improving productivity.
“The new concrete girder bridge is much wider than the existing 135 year old crossing, which is a tight squeeze at the best of times. The larger capacity allows an increase in load limits for oversized vehicles, meaning more goods and services will be able to get in and out of town quicker.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the NSW Government is committed to delivering vital infrastructure like the Namoi River Crossing in regional NSW.
“The new bridge will improve road safety and provide better links between regional markets and services, benefiting the broader regional economy,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I acknowledge Tamworth Regional Council for their significant contribution to the project, as well as Transport for NSW, and look forward to seeing the benefits the Namoi River Crossing will deliver for Manilla and the wider community.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said Transport for NSW’s $1 million contribution provided significant road improvements to the local road network alongside the new bridge.
This project is another example of the NSW Government working with local government to deliver improved road infrastructure and safer journeys for our regional communities,” Mr Toole said.
Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said that it was wonderful to see a project of this magnitude completed for Manilla, especially in light of the challenging working conditions presented by COVID-19 this year.
“This new bridge will continue to ensure that Manilla is connected with the rest of our region through a high quality road network, creating economic growth for the area and helping to support the local community in tough times like these.”
The $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to the delivery of infrastructure projects that improve the economic growth and productivity of the state under Restart NSW.
Growing Local Economies is one of the programs in the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering the economic, infrastructure and lifestyle improvements that make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-growth-fund
