Gunnedah Shire Council say the Simpson bridge reconstruction should be completed by December

The new two lane concrete bridge will replace the previous wooden bridge that connects Carroll and Breeza.

Acting director of infrastructure for Gunnedah Shire Council, Edward Paas said the bridge was on track to be open before Christmas. 

“Simpsons Bridge is approximately 80 per cent complete and on track to be open before Christmas,” Mr Paas said.

“Council is currently constructing the realignment of the road approaches to the bridge and back-filling the abutments.”

Mr Paas said the bridge is going to improve safety for locals who use the bridge.

“It will also allow for safer travel for residents, school buses and heavy vehicles utilising Clifton Road,” he said.

The project is part of council’s long term financial plan and was boosted by an additional $800,000 from the ‘Bridges for the Bush Grants’.

It was announced at last week’s October council meeting that the project had come in under budget.

Mr Paas said the surplus funds would be reallocated to the council’s general fund.

“The project has come in well under budget, with an estimated $600,000 to be reallocated within Council for other purposes,” he said.

Council also moved at October’s council meeting to set aside $150,000 of the project’s surplus for the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature.