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
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).
Apr 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).
Mar 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).
Jan 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.
Dec 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.
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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
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
- 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