Warkton Bridge Replacement Project in full swing

The last fully timber constructed bridge in the Warrumbungle Shire is on track to be replaced with contractors having commenced site works on the Warkton Bridge Replacement Project. 

“Council has obtained a grant from the NSW Government under the Fixing Country Bridges (FCB) Program to replace Warkton Bridge,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “The FCB Program is specifically aimed at replacing timber bridges and Warkton Bridge is the last remaining bridge in the Shire that is fully constructed in timber.” 

Late last year Warrumbungle Council joined with Walgett, Mid-Western and Lithgow councils calling tenders for a number of bridge projects across the region. Three (3) submissions were received for the Warkton Bridge project, however, the tendered prices exceeded the available project funding. With additional funding secured from TfNSW (Transport for NSW) as well as a further co-contribution from Roads to Recovery Council accepted a revised tender, including a new concept design, from Waeger Constructions. Works on the bridge   are now underway.

The total cost of the project is $900,000 with $720,000 coming from the Fixing Country Bridges Program and $180,000 from the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

“Warkton Bridge is a relatively small bridge with a span of just 7 metres and a width of 5.1 metres. The replacement bridge will be constructed on the same road alignment and height; however, the new bridge will have a span of 12 metres and a width of 6 metres,” Cr Doolan explained. 

“Council would like to thank both the Australian Government and the NSW Government for funding this project, allowing the necessary works to go ahead,” Cr Doolan concluded. 

The Fixing Country Bridges Program requires the bridge to be completed by April 2024 however it is expected that the bridge will be completed by January 2023, weather permitting.

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Last Updated: 21 Jul 2022