Construction workers will be on site on the Golden Highway between Belford and Mount Thorley this week as early works begin on a new bridge over Mudies Creek.
The bridge is to be built five metres above the current road level, high enough to withstand a 100-year flood level in Mudies Creek.
It is part of a $133 million program of works on the Golden Highway funded by the Federal and NSW State government.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki says the new bridge at Mudies Creek will help improve productivity and road safety.
“The Golden Highway is a critical link between the New England and Castlereagh Highways, servicing key mining and agricultural activities,” Zycki says.
“This is a vital upgrade to an important regional artery used by 7,000 vehicles every day.
“This project will improve journey reliability during flood events, with a 28-metre-long bridge to be built five metres above the current road level, ensuring the road can remain open even during a one in 100-year flood.
“The existing culvert over Mudies Creek and its approaches are subject to flooding in a one in five-year event, so improving access at this point will deliver significant benefits to local residents and businesses, as well visitors and freight operators.
“The project will also provide a boost to the local economy, with around 135 jobs to be created during construction.”
Work includes the realignment of a one-kilometre section of the road to the south of its current location, to allow for the new Mudies Creek crossing.
This project, to be delivered by contractor Acciona, is expected to take around 24 months to complete, weather permitting.
The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in mid-2027.
More information is available at the Mudies Creek project page.
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