ROAD users west of Guyra will enjoy safer travel and improved freight productivity, with the official opening of the new $1.06 million Tenterden Bridge
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joined New England MP Barnaby Joyce, Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray and Guyra Citizen of the Year Dot Vickery cutting the ribbon on the massive structure on Tuesday.
Mr Marshall said the bridge across Georges Creek would offer advantages to road users travelling between Guyra and Tingha, with the region’s producers to see the biggest benefits.
“It’s going to easier than ever to get their produce in and out of the area on B-double trucks which they have never been able to do before,” he said.
“The new two-lane concrete bridge is totally unrecognisable compared to the old and rickety wooden bridge that drivers have been contending with for decades. It’s going to be much safer for all motorists.” The project involved replacing a single timber bridge with a two-lane concrete bridge over Georges Creek along Tenterden Road. Works also included building bridge approaches for the newly aligned road.
Mr Marshall said the bridge was jointly funded by the NSW Government, Australian Government and Armidale Regional Council.
“The combined support of all levels of government is a testament to how important this bridge is to the region,” Mr Marshall said.
“The NSW Government has invested $510,000 in this project through the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program, with the Australian Government contributing $530,000 and Council $20,000.
“I’m committed to ensuring our regional road network is constantly improved, as each investment helps deliver better returns for local businesses and sets our region up for further growth.”
The new two-lane concrete bridge, jointly funded under the Australian Government's Bridges Renewal Program, replaces the previous 1960s era, wooden structure, which was in urgent need of replacement.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce said the project was a major win. “This upgrade will make a big difference for those in the area, whether that’s kids travelling on the school bus or farmers using the bridge to transport stock and produce - it keeps the money flowing back through the farm gate and means locals can get to their destination faster and with greater safety,” Mr Joyce said.
“Tenterden is one of 22 bridges across the electorate funded under the program, plus the recently approved Munsie Bridge near Uralla, and works hand in glove with major New England Highway upgrades.”