5 May 2020

Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced that work to replace the old timber Omadale Brook Bridge in the Upper Hunter is one step closer, with the tender for design and construction now awarded. 

Mr Johnsen said the project would secure the viability of Hunter Road for freight and other road users by replacing the existing timber bridge with a 68-tonne-capacity, dual-lane concrete structure bridge. 

“The old single-lane timber bridge is more than 60 years old and was not designed to cope with heavy freight vehicles,” Mr Johnsen said. 

“With increasing demand for higher mass limit (HML) vehicles, including for the transport of feed and water during the ongoing drought, this is an important project for the freight industry, local businesses and our farming community. 

“Not only will the project improve freight productivity, but the new bridge will also increase safety for all road users and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for the council.” 

Waeger Constructions is the successful tenderer to undertake the bridgeworks, with the design process expected to start next week. 

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood said there would still be access across Omadale Brook during the build. 

“A temporary sidetrack, which can accommodate B-doubles, will be in place across the brook prior to demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge starting,” Cr Bedggood said. 

“This will be a bigger, better, stronger and safer bridge that should last 100 years. 

“Council thanks the NSW Government for the funding for this important infrastructure.” 

The $1.9 million project is predominantly funded by the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program, with Upper Hunter Shire Council providing the remaining funding.