URALLA Shire deputy mayor, Bob Crouch has thanked the Minister for Roads and Ports for raising the profile of the Emu Bridge replacement issue.
Last Friday, Minister Duncan Gay made a commitment of $3.5 million funding to progress the Emu Crossing low-level bridge to construction.
“Thunderbolts Way, including Emu Crossing Bridge, is a key regional transport and freight route for the people and businesses of the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Gay said.
“During flood events, the current low-level crossing at Emu Crossing blocks road freight traffic on Thunderbolts Way,” he said.
“Whenever the Emu Crossing bridge was closed, the event had a major impact on residents of Bundarra,” he said.
The high level of community interest played an important role in the Emu Crossing Bridge Replacement Submission.
Emu Crossing on the Gwydir River is one of the most flood-prone locations on Thunderbolts Way.
Thunderbolts Way is a much-favoured, first-choice route for road freight and tourists alike, from Sydney and Newcastle in the south, to numerous locations in New England/North West, and the Western Downs of Queensland.
“Our records indicate as early as 1935, the then Gostwyk Shire Council began making representations to the NSW Government for assistance to replace the bridge,” Mr Gay said.
With the $3.5 million commitment for the NSW Government as well as $100,000 from Uralla Shire Council, the bridge will be upgraded to two lanes providing a one in 50 years flood immunity.
“Emu Crossing Bridge is the only direct transport and freight route between the towns of Bundurra, Bingara, Warialda and Inverell to Armidale, including the Armidale Airport,” Mr Gay said.
“The Emu Crossing Bridge is about 3.75 kilometers south of Bundarra on Thunderbolts Way which connects Uralla with Inverell via Bundarra.
“The crossing is low-level and is often closed to traffic during even minor flood events.
“When flooding occurs there are no local alternative detours available. The closest detour is 95 kilometres away via Torryburn and Gwydir River roads. This presents a problem for emergency services and the local school bus which runs into the major education centre of Armidale.
Thunderbolts Way is also an approved B-double route with about 550 vehicles in total travelling on it each day, 30 per cent being trucks.
