Dubbo road projects

Reviewed

Project overview

Together, the Australian and NSW Governments are investing $301.2 million in five road projects to build a better Dubbo. The upgrades will cut down your travel time, make your roads safer and ease congestion in and around Dubbo.

Project information

About these projects

Transport for NSW is delivering five major road infrastructure projects in Dubbo to improve road safety, reduce travel times and ease congestion. These projects are being delivered through an integrated program called Building a better Dubbo.

The Building a Better Dubbo program consists of:

  • Newell Highway upgrade, New Dubbo Bridge
    Construction of a new bridge over the Macquarie River in Dubbo to improve freight efficiency on the Newell Highway, reduce traffic congestion and provide an additional route during flood events. It will assist in easing congestion in Dubbo when needed most. We anticipate early works will start in 2022 and major construction is set to begin in 2023.
  • Newell Highway and Mitchell Highway intersection upgrade
    Upgrade to the Newell Highway and Mitchell Highway intersection in Dubbo As part of the upgrade, the roundabout was removed and replaced with traffic lights to better regulate traffic flow, ease significant congestion as well as improve road safety and efficiency. This project was completed and open to traffic on the 1 November 2021.
  • Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) and Fitzroy Street intersection upgrade
    Upgrade to the Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) and Fitzroy Street intersection. As part of the upgrade, the roundabout has been removed and replaced with traffic lights to reduce congestion for highway and local traffic, particularly during peak hours. This project is on track for completion before the end of 2021, weather permitting.
  • LH Ford Bridge strengthening
    Strengthening work on the iconic LH Ford bridge, with construction of two new support piers in the Macquarie River extending the life of the bridge and to allow for heavy vehicles up to 68 tonnes, which was completed and open to traffic on the 31 March 2020.
  • Newell Highway upgrade, West Dubbo
    The upgrade to the Newell Highway in West Dubbo provided a stronger and longer lasting road at this key entry point to Dubbo. Work was completed and open to traffic on 1 September 2019.

The Building a Better Dubbo campaign demonstrates the long-term benefits of the investment in Dubbo as a regional hub and recognises Dubbo as an important junction of the state road network.

Anyone can opt-in to receive updates to be the first to know, each step of the way and as much as possible minimise community frustration whilst we deliver these projects.

We are consulting with the community now about the detailed design for the Newell Highway upgrade, New Dubbo Bridge. Early works are expected to start in 2022.

Upgrades to the Newell Highway Mitchell Highway intersection were completed in November 2021, and upgrades to the Cobra Fitzroy intersection are expected to be completed before the end of the year. Transport will continue to keep the community updated as these projects progress.

New Dubbo Bridge

  • Cost: $220.2 million (Australian and NSW Government funding)
  • Description: Construction of a new bridge over the Macquarie River in Dubbo to improve freight efficiency on the Newell Highway, reduce traffic congestion and provide an additional route during flood events. It will assist in easing congestion in Dubbo when needed most. We anticipate early works will start in Q1 2022 and major construction is set to begin in late 2022.
  • More information: See the New Dubbo Bridge project page.

Newell Highway Mitchell Highway intersection upgrade

  • Cost: $40 million
  • Description: Upgrade to the Newell Highway and Mitchell Highway intersection in Dubbo. As part of the upgrade, the roundabout was removed and replaced with traffic lights to better regulate traffic flow, ease significant congestion as well as improve road safety and efficiency. This project was completed and open to traffic on the 1 November 2021.
  • More information: See the Newell Highway and Mitchell Highway intersection upgrade page.

Newell Highway upgrade West Dubbo

  • Cost: $12 million
  • Description: The upgrade to the Newell Highway in West Dubbo provided a stronger and longer lasting road at this key entry point to Dubbo. Work was completed and open to traffic on 1 July 2019.
  • More information: See the latest community update for the Newell Highway upgrade West Dubbo.

Mitchell Highway (Cobra St) & Fitzroy Street intersection

  • Cost: $19 million
  • Description: Upgrade to the Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) and Fitzroy Street intersection. As part of the upgrade, the roundabout has been removed and replaced with traffic lights to reduce congestion for highway and local traffic, particularly during peak hours. This project is on track for completion before the end of 2021, weather permitting.
  • More information: See the Mitchell Highway (Cobra Street) intersection with Fitzroy Street project page

LH Ford Bridge strengthening

  • Cost: $10 million
  • Description: Strengthening work on the iconic LH Ford bridge, with construction of two new support piers in the Macquarie River extending the life of the bridge and to allow for heavy vehicles up to 68 tonnes, which was completed and open to traffic on the 31 March 2020.

Community information

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Project documents

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Community updates

Reports

Media releases

  • April 2022

    Call for tenders for New Dubbo Bridge.

  • February 2021

    Rumble strips installed on section of Mitchell Highway.

  • February 2021

    Green light for Baird Street intersection.

  • February 2020

    New Dubbo Bridge submissions report released.

  • December 2019

    LH Ford Bridge waterway re-opens just in time for summer.

  • October 2019

    Early work starts on key Dubbo intersection.

  • November 2018

    LH Ford strengthening project to start in coming weeks.