NEW BRIDGE OVER DUCK CREEK NOW OPEN

LOCALS and tourists visiting the picturesque Jervis Bay travelling over Duck Creek in the Shoalhaven are set to benefit from greater road safety and quicker travel times with the new $1.5 million Duck Creek Bridge now open to traffic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the project replaced the old timber bridge with a wider and safer two-lane concrete bridge, enabling heavy vehicles to avoid a 4.1-kilometre detour and saving drivers an average of eight minutes per journey.

Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis said “The upgrade will significantly improve local road safety and transport access along Naval College from Jervis Bay through to the Princes Hwy and forms part of the Australian Government’s $263 million commitment to infrastructure projects across the Gilmore electorate.”

“The new bridge is just one example of the productivity improvements being delivered through the Bridges Renewal Program and the Government’s infrastructure investment more broadly,” Mrs Sudmalis said. 

Joining Ms Sudmalis for the opening, Federal Minister for Communications, Mitch Fifield said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is focused on upgrading roads around Australia.

“Right around the country, our $75 billion infrastructure investment pipeline is helping to upgrade roads and infrastructure so Australians can get home sooner and safer,” Minister Fifield said.

Shoalhaven City Mayor Amanda Findley said the infrastructure investment played a vital part in connecting local communities and villages in the popular tourist region.

“The Shoalhaven community is delighted to see the Bridge open and we thank the Government for its support in ensuring we can continue to upgrade and renew vital Shoalhaven infrastructure,” Cr Findley said.

The $1.5 million project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Shoalhaven City Council, with each providing $750,000.