SOD TURNED FOR NEW CHARLEYONG BRIDGE
FASTER and safer travel between Braidwood and Nowra is now a step closer with the first sod turned today on the Charleyong Bridge Replacement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the new $23 million Charleyong Bridge would improve traffic flow and increase safety for locals, heavy vehicles and tourists travelling across the bridge, located north of Braidwood in southern NSW.
“Around Australia, the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is focused on ensuring people can get home sooner and safer, and boosting productivity, especially in the regions,” Mr McCormack said.
“Charleyong Bridge is on Main Road 92, an important regional route for transporting freight and stock between Nowra, Braidwood and Canberra, and this upgrade will improve freight productivity and keep traffic moving at all times of the year,” Mr McCormack said.
Deputy Premier and State Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the project would boost road safety and accessibility.
“The upgrade will be a great improvement for those travelling through the region as it will include two U-turn bays, a stock underpass and the removal of several curves that have a poor crash history,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The project is scheduled for completion in March 2020, weather permitting, and the community will be kept informed of its progress.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the new bridge would have wider traffic lanes and a greater load limit, a win for both freight operators and motorists.
“The replacement bridge will change the way people travel across the Mongarlowe River, from a single lane timber bridge to a stronger concrete bridge with two wide lanes and an increased speed limit of 100km/h,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Thanks to NSW Government funding, work on the sealing of Nerriga Road is also currently underway, which together with the new bridge, will revolutionise this important piece of our regional roads network.”
Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the upgrade demonstrates the focus of the Federal and NSW Governments on upgrading and building regional roads.
“This is a fantastic outcome for local businesses relying on this route, and is another great example of how the Bridges Renewal Program is delivering positive outcomes for local communities,” Senator Molan said.
“By working together, we will help make this critical route safer and provide an important boost to productivity.”
More information is available on the Roads and Maritime Services’ website: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/charleyongbridge.
The Australian Government and NSW Government are jointly funding the new bridge, with the NSW Government contributing $18 million and the Australian Government contributing $5 million for the project.