Motorists west of Tenterfield will soon have improved access on Bruxner Way with the completion of work to rebuild the Dumaresq Overflow Channel Bridge following serious damage in the March 2021 flooding event.
Bruxner Way is a regional road linking Tenterfield to Boggabilla and Goondiwindi, and services a largely agricultural region, with vehicles forced to use a single lane side road under traffic control since the bridge was washed away.
Work started in May 2023 and included the demolition of the damaged bridge and approach embankments, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the channel and surrounding riverbanks, and installation of steel guardrail.
This project was jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government, with Tenterfield Shire Council, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, contributing through a NSW Government Tripartite funding initiative. This type of agreement reduces the financial pressure on councils, providing advanced funding and ensuring faster repairs for communities.
Work to build the new bridge was carried out for Tenterfield Shire Council by Transport for NSW and was jointly funded through the federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“We are pleased to see the reopening of the bridge on the Bruxner Way, west of Tenterfield, which is a significant regional and interstate road,” said Tenterfield Mayor, Bronwyn Petrie.
“It has been nearly four years since the embankments were washed away in a devastating flood in March 2021, requiring road users to use a detour subject to closure during flood events, disrupting local traffic and heavy freight transport.
“Tenterfield Shire Council greatly appreciates the disaster funding from the State and Federal governments to enable the rebuild and expresses our thanks to Transport for NSW and contractors for their work on the reconstruction.”
The new three-span concrete bridge opened in an event yesterday attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin, Mayor Petrie, and representatives from Transport for NSW.
“Locals and visitors who use this road will be delighted that work on this bridge has been completed, providing access for residents, agriculture, business and tourism in this part of the world,” said Minister Saffin.
“As recovery and rebuilding continues, this project is another example of the hard work being done by all levels of government to aid those who rely on the local road network every day.
“I’d like to thank Tenterfield Council and Transport for NSW for getting this finished to such a high standard,” she said.