NSW
Plans to replace the Warroo Bridge over the Lachlan River west of Forbes have reached an important milestone, with the call going out for suitably qualified contractors to tender and lead construction on the project.
NSW Government funding has been secured to replace the ageing timber truss Warroo Bridge with a new concrete bridge to boost road safe transport efficiency and reliability for road users.
The existing bridge – located on Warroo Bridge Road 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres south-east of Condobolin – was built in 1909 and is now in poor condition and not suitable for use by modern agricultural equipment or heavy vehicles with Higher Mass Limit (HML) loads.
“When the existing bridge is closed for maintenance, motorists are faced with a 93-kilometre detour to travel from one side of the river to the other, but a new bridge will put an end to that frustrating inconvenience,” said Member for Orange, Phil Donato.
“Once completed, the new Warroo Bridge will deliver a smoother ride for all road users, improved safety through wider lanes and better road approaches, increased load capacity for heavy vehicles, improved access for wide vehicles, and reduced ongoing maintenance costs and closures.”
Tenders to build the new Warroo Bridge will close on Monday 26 August.
Bridge construction is expected to start by mid-2025 after a successful tenderer is selected and the contract is awarded.
Transport for NSW will carry out preliminary earthworks later this year to build new embankments on the approaches to the river crossing that will support the future construction of the new bridge.
The existing Warroo Bridge will remain in service throughout construction and until the new bridge is opened to traffic.
