JENNY AITCHISON

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - FINISH LINE IN SIGHT FOR WASHPOOL FLOOD MITIGATION WORK

Stills available to download here

Work to improve flood immunity on a key section of the Gwydir Highway is nearing completion after more than two years of COVID-19 restrictions and extreme weather delays.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the finish line is in sight on the $7.1 million project to raise and rebuild the flood-prone Washpool section of highway, about 17 kilometres east of Moree.

“The Gwydir Highway is a critical east-west link for northern NSW, connecting the inland plains to the New England area,” Ms Aitchison said.

"This upgrade will mean essential goods can keep moving during and after extreme weather events, allowing local communities to remain connected.

“Transport for NSW work is wrapping up to install large drains as part of the major upgrade, with Moree Plains Shire Council carrying out work on associated road upgrades to complete the project by the end of the year, weather permitting.

“Upgrading this flood-prone section of the highway will improve access and lessen the impact of future flood events for locals, tourists and freight operators."

The project was impacted by a number of challenges including flooding, COVID-19 restrictions and the reallocation of crews to carry out emergency repairs on the Spring Creek Bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway.

Work completed so far includes the placement of precast culvert cells and the pouring of more than 600 cubic metres of structural concrete.

A two-way sealed side track on the southern side of the highway will remain in use to maintain traffic flow around the project site until the remaining road work has been completed.

For more information, visit nswroads.work/washpool

MEDIA: Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540