Drivers travelling in rural New South Wales have been advised of works beginning soon to build the new Warroo Bridge over the Lachlan River.
Preliminary earthworks will be taking place between Forbes and Condobolin, with works set to begin on Monday, September 9 resulting in changed traffic conditions.
Works will take place between 7am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, pausing for Sunday and public holidays. Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 80 kmh will be in place on Lachlan Valley Way from the intersection with Warroo Road during work hours.
A reduced speed limit of 40 kmh will also be in place on Warroo Bridge Road during work hours, with intermittent stop/slow traffic control required at times. The speed limit will return to the posted speed outside of work hours.
“Unfortunately, preserving the existing bridge is not a viable option. The best outcome for all road users in the area, and particularly freight operators, is to build a new concrete bridge just a few metres upstream, along with new approach roads on either side,” says Transport for NSW director west Alistair Lunn.
“Warroo Bridge is the only major crossing of the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin that links Lachlan Valley Way and Henry Parkes Way, and is used by local traffic, tourists and vital regional freight operators.
“When the existing bridge is closed for maintenance, motorists are faced with a 93-kilometre detour to travel from one side of the river to the other. The new bridge will eliminate this frustrating inconvenience.
“Once completed, the new Warroo Bridge will deliver a smoother ride for all road users, improved safety through wider lanes and better road approaches, increased load capacity for heavy vehicles, improved access for wide vehicles, and reduced ongoing maintenance costs and closures.
“All motorists are reminded to keep to the reduced speed limits, follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs throughout this work, and allow up to five minutes of extra travel time.”
At current estimates, the earthworks will take about eight weeks to complete. The old timber bridge will be replaced with a concrete bridge to boost transport efficiency and reliability in the region.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.