Logistics News

New bridges a big win for Far West freight

The NSW government has upgraded critical freight bridges in the Far West and Orana regions

The New South Wales government says two new double-lane concrete bridges on the Darling River Run between Bourke and Wilcannia are improving access for heavier vehicles and making freight movement more efficient and safer through the Far West and Orana regions. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway says the old timber bridges at Jandra Creek 2 and Compadore Creek were narrow three-metre wide, single-lane structures that were not accessible for heavier vehicles like B-Double trucks or those carrying wide loads.  

“The new eight-metre-wide bridges accommodate B-Doubles and road trains. This will reduce journeys by around 102 kilometres for freight vehicles, which previously had to travel via Cobar,” Farraway says.

“The new bridges will improve road safety with the wider bridge having a dedicated northbound and southbound lane reducing the risk of crashes particularly in windy and dusty conditions when visibility is poor.”

Both bridges were funded under the NSW government’s Fixing Country Roads (FCR) program, which aims to move freight more efficiently across the state.

“FCR projects support jobs and economic growth in regional NSW by reducing the cost of getting goods to market. As costs come down, consumers benefit at their local supermarket and exporters become more competitive,” Farraway says.


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Manager of Roads at Bourke Shire Council Alex Saju says heavy vehicle movements on the Darling River Run are expected to rise by 25 per cent because of reduced journey times. 

“More than 30,000 tonnes of freight will be transported over these bridges every year,” Saju says. 

“The project was put on hold in March and April 2021 following severe flooding in the area and it’s great to see the now completed bridges playing their role in boosting the economy and social fabric of the Shire.  

“These upgraded bridges provide the added benefit of improved resilience to natural disasters like flood events, meaning access can remain open and freight, everyday motorists and emergency services can keep moving.” 

The $1.9 million project included $1.5 million from the NSW government’s $543 million Fixing Country Roads Program and $400,000 from Bourke Shire Council.  

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