Young has received almost $3 million in long-awaited funding for the repair of the Burrangong Creek Bridge and the widening of the Milvale Road.
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The joint state and federal funding means a bridge that has sat idle for more than 20 years can now be rebuilt, allowing B-doubles to once again travel along Bribbaree Road.
The $1,070,000 bridge upgrade will cut out a 20 kilometre detour.
The Milvale Road - classified as a heavy vehicle route - will receive $1,913,576 to go towards shoulder widening.
Local state member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson and federal member for Hume Angus Taylor were on hand Thursday afternoon to make the announcement.
Ms Hodgkinson said the funding - announced just over a month before the state election - was a win for the local economy, ensuring the town was up to the task of carrying freight in an efficient and cost effective manner.
“All in all it’s a fantastic day for Young,” she said.
“I’ve heard many representations in relation to this bridge.
“It’s really fantastic to make this announcement with Angus... it will create a significant thoroughfare.”
Mr Taylor said he had advocated strongly for the funding.
He said of the 250 applications for federal funding under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program, only 50 were accepted - seven from his electorate.
“We (Hume) did unbelievably well,” he said.
“That’s due to the fantastic state member and a very good application by council.
“When I was at the Bribbaree show... this (the bridge) was the number one problem outlined.
“It’s fantastic to be able to solve a problem.”
Mayor John Walker said council was delighted with the announcement.
He said it was a testament to the council staff who put together the submissions for funding as well as the local community groups who advocated strongly.
There was jubilation on Wednesday night from councillors as general manager Peter Vlatko announced that state and federal funding had been allocated to the projects.
Councillor Stuart Freudenstein said the funding was the result of years of advocacy from council and members of the community.
“It’s been a very good effort from everyone,” he said.
Councillors passed a motion to send a letter of thanks to Ms Hodgkinson, Mr Taylor, Senator Fiona Nash and the Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay.
