MEDIA RELEASE - TENDER AWARDED FOR BRUNNERS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

The Albanese and Minns governments continue to partner with local governments across New South Wales to get high-priority road and community infrastructure off the ground.

As part of this, the Brunners Bridge located on Gresford Road over the Glendon Brook, en route to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX), will be replaced to boost road safety and connectivity.

Supported by $700,000 from the Albanese Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and $6.5 million from the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads Program, the project will include full demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new structure.

Singleton Council awarded the $5.34 million tender for the construction of the new Brunners Bridge to Saunders Civilbuild at Tuesday night’s (18 June) ordinary meeting.

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.

For more information and for construction updates, visit: https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/brunnersbridge.

From July 1 2024, the Bridges Renewal Program will be merged into the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – with $200 million per year to be available to support councils improve the safety of their local road networks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“More people are moving to our regions and this is putting more pressure on the roads we use every day, which is why we’re partnering with local councils to help ensure that their local road networks are fit-for-purpose, long into the future.

“Brunners Bridge is a critical access point, and is essential to the efficient delivery of products and services in the Singleton region, which is why we’re supporting its replacement and making this local road network safer.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

“This much needed new bridge will help strengthen our supply chain and keep the Hunter moving forward.

“Roads and bridges that support heavier loads, considerably cut down travel time and means large trucks spend less time on our roads.

“For every extra 100 kilometres travelled by a truck, costs can rise by more than $300, so building this vital new infrastructure will reduce the amount of time on the road and will ultimately help reduce costs for families and make our roads a lot safer.”

Quotes attributed to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP:

“It is fantastic to see all levels of government working together to make a project like the Brunners Bridge replacement possible.

“Gresford Road is an essential route for residents and the agricultural suppliers of the region. This bridge replacement will allow larger trucks that can carry more freight per trip to safely cross the bridge.

“Replacing the bridge and facilitating access for more efficient trucks will also have a positive impact in lowering heavy vehicle traffic volumes in the region.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore:

“The replacement of the 80-year-old bridge has been a key item on Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda for several years, and would support both local and regional economic development outcomes. 

“Brunners Bridge is located on a freight route between Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and we are extremely grateful to the NSW Government for their support to enable this integral infrastructure renewal project for Singleton.

“Gresford Road is an important economic link for the region and this project further supports heavy vehicle infrastructure to accommodate new and existing agribusiness opportunities in our area, bolstering economic productivity by reducing the cost of getting goods to market.”

Quotes attributable to Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure and Planning Services, Aaron Malloy:

“The new Brunners Bridge will provide safer access for freight movements to access the Singleton township as well as see the removal of load and speed restrictions for heavy vehicles. 

“The current bridge has a load limit of 42 tonnes and can only accommodate one heavy vehicle at a time, whereas the new bridge will accommodate 68.5 tonnes, increasing operational efficiencies and improving accessibility for cattle delivery to HRLX.

“And it’s not just heavy vehicles that will benefit – works will also see an improved road surface and wider lanes, ultimately improving safety for all vehicles.”

ENDS

FRIDAY, 21 JUNE 2024

Media Contact:

Minister McBain – Blake Danilczak, 0497 204 267

Dan Repacholi – Chad Griffith, 0400 292 120

Minister Aitchison – Wendy Fitzgibbon, 0408 427 540

Singleton Council – (02) 6578 7290