Dungog Shire Council has commenced work this month to reconstruct Archinals Bridge, under a $16.44M NSW Government Fixing Country Bridges grant council received earlier this year to replace 23 of its 24 timber bridges across the shire.
Council has secured just over $1M in funding to replace Archinals Bridge on Allyn River Road, Upper Allyn, in a bid to improve resilience to natural disasters and more safely connect surrounding communities.
Executive Manager Infrastructure & Assets, Steve Hitchens, says this project ensures the integrity of a key part of Dungog’s local infrastructure and delivers important benefits for all road users.
“The scope of works for the Archinals Bridge replacement includes demolition of the existing bridge, design and construction of a new concrete bridge, and an upgrade to the existing side track,” says Mr Hitchens.
“The side track will be completed by council staff with the installation of a four-cell culvert, which allows water to flow under the road and provides gravel access across Allyn River Road.
“Council has commenced side track upgrades and will be responsible for the maintenance of this component during the works, which may be subject to flooding during wet weather. Contractors are programmed to be onsite shortly to commence works for the demolition of the existing bridge.
“The bridge replacement works will deliver a safer, more efficient access point for all Dungog Shire roads users.”
Signage will be in place to advise of the changed traffic conditions for the duration of these works. Council asks all road users to take extra care when traveling through this area.
The Archinals Bridge replacement is expected to be completed by February 2022. Council thanks all residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these critical infrastructure works are completed.
Fixing Country Bridges is a $500 million NSW Government program helping local councils to replace hundreds of timber bridges in poor condition and better connect regional and rural communities across the state.
