SENATOR DEBORAH O’NEILL
SENATOR FOR NSW

JENNY AITCHISON MP
NSW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - ON YOUR MARKS: TOOLS AT THE READY TO BUILD THE NEW SPRING CREEK BRIDGE

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue to invest in targeted road improvements across regional NSW, with work to build the new Spring Creek Bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway near Narrabri expected to start in September 2024.

The $13.1 million upgrade, supported by $5 million from the Albanese Government and $8.1 million from the Minns Government, will improve road safety, particularly for heavy vehicles that rely on the bridge to travel between Narrabri and Wee Waa in North-Western NSW.

Following a competitive tender process, Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd has been confirmed as the successful contractor to build the new 64-metre-long bridge.

It will be built on the same alignment as the existing culvert, with two-way traffic flow on the Kamilaroi Highway maintained via a temporary sealed side track throughout the construction phase.

Work to build a temporary sealed side track around the project site started in August 2023 and has now been completed.

Traffic will be switched on to the side track prior to the bridge replacement works getting underway.
Spring Creek Bridge is a major crossing over Spring Creek on the Kamilaroi Highway, located 9.5 kilometres west of Narrabri.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
For more information visit nswroads.work/spring-creek-bridge.

Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill:

“Spring Creek Bridge is an important link on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, which is why we’re ensuring it’s fit-for-purpose into the future.

“Our $5 million investment to replace the ageing culvert with a wider structure that meets modern design standards will ensure this road network is safer for cars and our truckies.

“It’s part of our commitment to improve road networks across regional NSW – by progressively doubling Roads to Recovery to $1 billion per year, increasing Road Black Spot funding to $150 million per year, and launching our new $200 million Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program.”

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

“The existing Spring Creek Culvert is more than 50 years old and has previously been subject to heavy vehicle restrictions and detours to allow for essential safety work to be carried out to stabilise the structure, creating significant inconvenience for regular users.

“The new Spring Creek Bridge will be a stronger, wider structure that meets modern design standards along with current and future road network requirements.

“The new bridge will also improve access for freight and, ultimately, provide greater travel efficiency for all users in the area.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP:

“The awarding of this contract to Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd. is a significant milestone in this project not only for the people of Narrabri and Wee Waa, but for every traveller in that area.

“The Spring Creek Bridge is a vital link for road users travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, as well as for the local community, agriculture and freight industries.

“The surety of having a bridge that will remain open in wet weather and will safely take heavier loads will be a great investment in western NSW. It will be great for producers transporting their produce, but it will also ensure that the road remains open and safe for all users.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“I congratulate our crews on the completed construction of a side track that will enable traffic to keep moving between Narrabri and Wee Waa during construction of the new Spring Creek Bridge.

“I note, though, that motorists should be aware that the side track may be subject to flooding in the case of extreme weather events, but we have planned for those possible closures with approved detours to be put in place.

“We’re all looking forward to the new safer, wider and more resilient Spring Creek Bridge opening to traffic in late 2025.”