BETTER access and less risk of flooding will be among the benefits that will come from an upgraded Rivulet Road Bridge at Peel.
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Federal member for Calare John Cobb announced $390,000 in funding recently to upgrade the bridge, after Bathurst Regional Council was successful in its application for round two of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.
Further funding of more than $2 million was allocated to Blayney Shire Council, Orange City Council and Parkes Shire Council though the program.
“The Rivulet Road Bridge will get a much-needed upgrade with the funding seeing the one-lane timber bridge replaced with a two-lane concrete bridge, making it much easier for motorists and importantly safer,” Mr Cobb said.
Richard Dutton, who lives near the bridge, said he travels across it three or four times a week and it was long overdue for an upgrade.
“I think it is an accident waiting to happen because the approach from the Peel side is steep,” he said. “It is quite commonly used during the day by a number of people going to work.”
According to Mr Dutton, the bridge itself is a sound structure, with the main issue being the width of the road and its proximity to the river below.
He said a wider road would make driving much safer for motorists and allow semi-trailers to transport freight across the bridge.
“Hopefully the bridge will be high enough so it isn’t cut off by floodwaters,” Mr Dutton said.
Another nearby property owner, David Suttor, was also in support of the upgrade.
He said motorists struggle to see the bridge and approaching traffic and widening the bridge would ensure safety was improved.
Mr Suttor was also hopeful the bridge would be raised to lessen the risk of flooding.
“The bridge has been in for a fair while so it is probably getting to the end of its serviceable life,” he said.
“It will be a good thing as it gives better access [for motorists] and will improve conditions if there is a flood
“It doesn’t take a lot of water to cover the bridge.”
A spokesperson for Bathurst Regional Council confirmed the bridge deck would be raised by 3.8 metres, taking it from a low-level bridge to a medium-level bridge.