Fixing Coota bridges

A structural assessment of McHenrys Creek Bridge identified its load limit would need to be increased and widening was needed to improve the bridge's safety.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said construction is expected to commence later this year.

"Widening and increasing the load limit of the bridge means there will be an improved freight and general traffic access to and from the Young region," she said.

"The upgrade will eliminate lengthy detours for heavy vehicles, enabling a reduction in transport and vehicle maintenance costs and creating efficiency and growth opportunities for the local industry."

Retiring Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson said Investigative work is currently underway ahead of reconstruction. 

“The bridge is a local accident blackspot and has been the site of two serious accidents in the last 12 months,” she said.

"Our roads and bridges are corridors of commerce, and any improvement to them can only help drive prosperity.

"Country people drive vast distances, and the government recognises the importance of continually upgrading roads bridges and keeping them as safe as possible."

Mrs Pavey said the upgrade to Burrangong Creek Bridge would remove the current B-double vehicle restriction.

"The project will improve the connection from silos and farms in Thuddunga and Bribbaree areas to the Olympic and Hume Highways,' she said.

"The upgrade will eliminate lengthy detours between Bribbaree Silo and Young by providing access to heavy vehicles.

"It will also improve the safety of the road because of a straighter alignment, elimination of vertical curves and increased pavement width."

Mrs Pavey said upgrading bridges also played an important part in road safety.

“Last year 254 people lost their lives in the country, and there are thousands of people being seriously injured on our roads each year,” she said.