Newell Highway Upgrade - New Dubbo Bridge project
Project overview
Together, the Australian and New South Wales Governments are investing $220.2 million in the New Dubbo Bridge project to improve traffic congestion in Dubbo and enhance access across the Macquarie River during flood events.

Latest news
September 2023 - Tree removal on Bourke Street at the intersection of River Street
From Thursday 14 September, we will be removing trees from Bourke Street at the intersection of River Street in Dubbo to allow for road widening and improved drainage as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project. For more information, download the notification letter (PDF, 439.51 KB).
August 2023 - Community update
For all the latest news on the New Dubbo Bridge project, read the latest community update (PDF, 3.43 MB).
August 2023 - Permanent closure of River Street from August
As part of the New Dubbo Bridge project, construction is continuing at various locations in Dubbo during August and September 2023.
There will be continuation of land piling, commencement of river piling, delivery of girders, and changed traffic conditions including the permanent closure of River Street between Brisbane and Bourke Streets.
For more information, read the full media release or download the project notification letter. (PDF, 730.81 KB)
August 2023 - Name the Crane Competition
Local primary school students in the Dubbo Regional Council area have a wonderful opportunity to name the tower crane that is on-site to assist with the construction of the new Dubbo Bridge.
Students are invited to colour-in a drawing of the crane and suggest a name for the crane on the entry form. The winning name will not only receive fantastic prizes but will also be proudly displayed on a banner attached to the tower crane, visible to the entire community.
Best Crane Name
The chosen name will be showcased using a flag on the crane, and the winning student will receive a $200 book or sporting goods voucher for their school.
The top colouring-in submissions will also be awarded prizes across the following categories:
- K-2 Winner $100 book or sporting goods voucher
- K-2 Runner-up $50 book or sporting goods voucher
- 3-6 Winner $100 book or sporting goods voucher
- 3-6 Runner-up $50 book or sporting goods voucher
A diverse selection of student entries will be displayed at the New Dubbo Bridge Office (4/36 Darling Street, Dubbo) and the winner of the 'Best Crane Name' will receive an invitation to attend a crane-naming ceremony, with the specific date yet to be announced.
- Download competition entry form (PDF, 298.34 KB)
- Download competition terms and conditions (PDF, 111.58 KB)
- Find out more by reading the media release
For questions or further information, email Jlinehan@abergeldie.com
Competition closes 5pm 31 August 2023
August 2023 - First of 123 girders delivered from Newcastle to Dubbo
123 girders will be delivered to Dubbo between now and August 2024, to be added to the structure that will become the New Dubbo bridge. For more information view the full media release.
June 2023 - Changed traffic conditions in June and July
As part of the New Dubbo Bridge project, construction is continuing at various locations in Dubbo during June and July 2023.
There will be changed traffic conditions at two locations, including the intersection of Bourke and River Streets, and the intersection of Whylandra and Thompson Streets.
Find out more by reading the project notification letter (PDF, 1007.8 KB).
May 2023 - Changed traffic conditions at the Mitchell Highway and Thompson Street intersection
From Monday 29 May, we will commence shoulder widening at the intersection of Mitchell Highway and Thompson Street.
As part of these works, a detour will be in place from 6am to 6pm on Sunday 18 June.
Find out more by reading the project notification letter (PDF, 372.82 KB).
May 2023 - Temporary closure of Wiradjuri Park in Dubbo from 18 May
As part of the New Dubbo Bridge project work, Wiradjuri Park will be temporary closed to allow for construction of the new road alignment. Plans to beautify Wiradjuri Park are being developed and we will be consulting with the local Aboriginal community, residents, and key stakeholders.
For more information view the project notification (PDF, 445.81 KB).
April 2023 - Traffic changes for piling work
As piling work commences for construction of the New Dubbo Bridge, temporary traffic changes will be put in place to accommodate the piling rig.
For more information, view the project notification (PDF, 236.05 KB).
March 2023 - Start of Major Work for New Dubbo Bridge
Major work is underway on the New Dubbo Bridge project. We will keep the community updated with any construction updates and impacts.
For more information, read the full media release or download the project notification (PDF, 332.89 KB).
January 2023 - Closure of Brisbane Street from 9 January
Work is currently underway on the new Brisbane and Darling Street intersection as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project.
As part of these works, Brisbane Street between Myall Street and River Streer will be closed from Monday 9 January for 2 months with a detour in place.
Find out more by reading the project notification letter.
December 2022 - Start of preparation for New Dubbo Bridge main works
In preparation for main works on the New Dubbo Bridge project, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure will begin site establishment and investigation works. Work will take place in various locations across the project site, starting in December 2022 and continuing into the start of 2023.
No work will take place over Christmas, New Year, or the Australia Day public holiday. For more information, including a map of the site locations, read the project notification (PDF, 650.84 KB).
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Project information
Background
The New Dubbo Bridge provides a second high level river crossing in Dubbo during flood events and will maintain reliability for local, commuter and heavy freight traffic through Dubbo during these events.
Following investigation of six strategic options and community consultation, River Street was announced as the preferred route for the new bridge in May 2017.
The preferred option has been chosen 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.
Features
The 660 metre bridge will connect the western side of the Macquarie River to River Street, travelling over the flood plain west of the river. The Newell Highway Upgrade - New Dubbo Bridge project will also include:
- New and upgraded intersections at Whylandra Street, and the Newell Highway
- Realigning the Newell Highway with new separated lanes north of Whylandra Street
- Upgrading the intersection at Bourke Street and River Street.
What is happening now?
Transport for NSW’s Head Contractor for the New Dubbo Bridge project, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, commenced the first stage of the major construction work in early April 2023.
Work is underway with piling on land. Piles create a strong foundation for the bridge and are expected to be completed by late 2023, weather permitting.
Utility investigations have commenced at the intersection of River and Bourke Street and Whylandra and Thompson Street. To enable these works, the road shoulders of Bourke and River Street will be closed.
Transport for NSW will continue to update the community with any construction updates and impacts.
The project is providing significant employment opportunities as well as local and regional benefits to the Central West throughout the major work phase.
What happens next?
River piling will start from mid-June, depending on weather and the river water level.
This activity is continuous, noisy, and vibration will be felt in the surrounding area. We will make every effort to minimise impacts during the work.
Noise and vibration monitoring will also be carried out. If there is any other way that we can support you during these works, please let us know.
Review of Environmental Factors
The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) assesses the potential social and environmental impacts of the project and identifies ways to minimise these impacts. View or download a copy of of the REF main report. The full report is on the project documents page.
View or download the project map.
Artist impression
Community information
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Displays and posters
- May 2019 project poster
Building a better Dubbo - Road work, that works for you.
- May 2019 project postcard
Know the facts.
Maps
- May 2019 project map
New Dubbo Bridge.
Plans
- Dubbo Bridge fixing and varying road levels plans
Newell Highway UPgrade New Dubbo Bridge Fixing or varying road levels
Project documents
Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG).
If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us.
Community updates
September 2023 project notification (PDF, 439.51 KB)
Tree removal from Bourke Street at the intersection of River Street in Dubbo to allow for road widening and improved drainage.August 2023 community update (PDF, 3.43 MB)
New Dubbo Bridge project community update.August 2023 project notification (PDF, 730.81 KB)
Continuation of land piling, commencement of river piling and permanent closure of River Street as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project.June 2023 project notification (PDF, 1007.8 KB)
Changed traffic conditions at two locations in Dubbo as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project.May 2023 project notification (PDF, 372.82 KB)
Changed traffic conditions at the Mitchell Highway and Thompson Street intersection from Monday 29 May.- May 2023 project notification (PDF, 445.81 KB)
Wiradjuri Park will be temporarily closed as construction commences. - April 2023 project notification (PDF, 236.05 KB)
Temporary traffic changes will be in place as piling work commences. - March 2023 project notification (PDF, 332.89 KB)
Major work including permanent piling starts on the New Dubbo Bridge project from early April 2023. - January 2023 project notifcation
Closure of Brisbane Street between Myall Street and River Street from 9 January 2023. - December 2022 project notification (PDF, 327.14 KB)
New Dubbo Bridge start of preparation work notification - November 2022 project notification
Preparation work to commence on the New Dubbo Bridge project from Thursday 1 December 2022. - September 2022 community update
New Dubbo Bridge project community update.
- August 2022 project notifcation
Changed traffic conditions on Darling Street, Dubbo from Monday 15 August 2022.
August 2022 project notification
Early works to begin on the New Dubbo Bridge project Monday 1 August.- February 2022 community update
Building a better Dubbo project community update.
- September 2021 project notification
Investigation work is continuing at various locations in Dubbo as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project from Wednesday 29 September.
- July 2021 project notification
Changed traffic conditions at three intersections for utility investigation work from Tuesday 6 July 2021.
July 2021 community update
New Dubbo Bridge project community update.- February 2020 community update
Review of Environmental Factors (REF) Submissions Report and changes to the project design.
- May 2019 community update
Building a better Dubbo project update.
Reports
- New Dubbo Bridge REF Submissions Report
New Dubbo Bridge.
- Building a better Dubbo 2019 Consultation Report
Building a better Dubbo.
- 2016/2017 New Dubbo Bridge Consultation Report
New Dubbo Bridge.
- May 2019 review of environmental factors report
New Dubbo Bridge.
- May 2017 preferred option report
New Dubbo Bridge.
- May 2016 options report
New Dubbo Bridge.
Media releases
- 16 August 2023
Monster logistical challenge unfolds for New Dubbo Bridge - 11 August 2023
Changing face of Dubbo: What’s ahead for the new bridge? - 8 August 2023
Local school children invited to 'Name the Crane' and be part of the New Dubbo Bridge project - 1 March 2023
Construction begins on the New Dubbo Bridge - 1 August 2022
The first phase of the New Dubbo Bridge project is now underway.
- 14 July 2022
Contract awarded to build intersection as part of the New Dubbo Bridge project.
- 12 July 2021
Investigation works underway on new Dubbo Bridge.
Submissions reports
- New Dubbo Bridge REF Submissions Report
New Dubbo Bridge.
Consultation reports
- Building a better Dubbo 2019 Consultation Report
Building a better Dubbo.
2016/2017 New Dubbo Bridge Consultation Report
New Dubbo Bridge.
Addendum Review of Environmental Factors
- May 2019 review of environmental factors report
Main report. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix C - Non Aboriginal Heritage. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix D - Aboriginal heritage. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix F - Traffic Transport Heritage. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix G - Noise Vibration. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix H - Water Quality. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix I -Groundwater. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix J - Hydrology Hydraulics. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix K - Contamination. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix L - Socio-economic. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix M - Urban Design. - February 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix N - Biodiversity.
Preferred option report
- May 2017 preferred option report
New Dubbo Bridge.
- May 2016 options report
New Dubbo Bridge.
Contact us
For further information about this project, please contact:
Phone: 1800 803 818