Abington Creek bridge off-network; access is a future option
Building the Abington Creek bridge to higher mass limit (HML) standard was done with the future in mind, rather than to make Thunderbolts Way an HML route, the New South Wales government tells ATN.
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) is campaigning to keep councils to the promise of road access where government money is spent on upgrading infrastructure for the purpose.
But NSW roads minister Duncan Gay’s office indicates one is not immediately contingent on the other.
“In order to maximise the Abington Creek bridge’s longevity and keep future options for Thunderbolts Way open the upgrade was completed to HML grade,” a spokesperson says.
“The cost difference, particularly given the options now available for the future of the route, were minor.”
Under Fixing Country Roads, the council submitted an application to replace Abington Creek bridge to HML standard.
“While it is understandable that there was a level of expectation from industry that Thunderbolts Way will open up for HML access after the completion of Abington Creek bridge this was never in the application submitted by Council, nor was the project assessed on this basis,” the spokesperson says.
“We’re committed to providing better access and more efficient routes for heavy vehicles through our Fixing Country Roads Program.
“More than 100 projects are either underway or complete but we know we have plenty more work to do.
“HML access on Thunderbolts Way was never included in the scope of work to replace Abington Creek bridge however this option will continue to be considered as part of future work.
“We will continue to have an open dialogue with the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association and other industry stakeholders to deliver more improvements for the freight industry.”
Thunderbolts Way runs north-west from Gloucester, near the coast, to near Gilgai in northern NSW and the bridge is near Bundarra.
A response from the LBRCA has been sought.