Kamilaroi Highway reopens to heavy traffic ahead of schedule at Spring Creek Bridge

Published
The Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa has reopened to heavy vehicle traffic ahead of schedule following emergency work to repair Spring Creek Bridge.

Transport for NSW Director West Alistair Lunn said a 15-tonne limit that was put in place on May 26 due to structural issues at Spring Creek Bridge was lifted on Thursday 30 June, allowing all vehicles to again travel the highway.

“Crews have worked tremendously hard to get Spring Creek Bridge reopened to all traffic several days ahead of the planned reopening on Monday 4 July,” Mr Lunn said.

“We understand the inconvenience heavy vehicle operators have faced travelling between Narrabri and Wee Waa and it has always been the goal to reopen Spring Creek Bridge to all vehicles as soon as we could while also ensuring the safety of all road users remained the number one priority.

“Transport for NSW thanks Narrabri Council for facilitating a heavy vehicle detour along Culgoora Road for the past five weeks as work on Spring Creek Bridge has continued.”

Propping work carried out on the Spring Creek Bridge has allowed it to reopen to all traffic but remains only a temporary solution.

Work is continuing to develop a side track around the Spring Creek Bridge which is anticipated to be completed by late 2022, weather permitting.

Once completed, the sealed side track will allow the diversion of all Kamilaroi Highway traffic around the Spring Creek Bridge while further work is carried out, including the ultimate replacement of the bridge.

Plans to replace the bridge are already being developed with a design expected in early 2023. Work is expected to start in late 2023 for completion in late 2024.