In a significant development for Martinsville, three new bridges have been completed, enhancing transportation links in the area. The construction of these bridges marks a substantial improvement in connectivity and safety for the region. Over the past year, reconstruction work on two bridges along Owens Road and one on Pointers Road has been successfully carried out, aligning them with modern standards and load capacities.
The Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Adam Shultz, highlighted the positive impact of these new bridges, emphasizing the improved access they offer to approximately 50 semi-rural properties in Martinsville. Not only do these structures facilitate better connectivity within the Martinsville valley, but they also ensure swift access for emergency services when needed, enhancing overall safety and efficiency.
Funding for this project, totaling over $11.8 million, was sourced from various contributors. The Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program allocated more than $7.5 million, with additional contributions from Lake Macquarie City and the New South Wales Government. The latter provided over $1.6 million specifically for the Owens Road Bridge through the Fixing Country Roads funding program.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain, hailed these upgrades as a significant benefit to the Martinsville community, emphasizing the importance of investing in regional road networks for enhanced reliability. The Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, echoed this sentiment, underlining the safety improvements brought about by replacing the aging timber bridges with more durable structures.
State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering rural infrastructure, emphasizing the collaborative effort across different levels of governance to deliver tangible outcomes for regional communities. The successful completion of the bridge construction projects by Daracon Group and Toisch Pty Ltd underscores the effective partnership between the public and private sectors in enhancing transportation infrastructure.
Overall, the completion of these three new bridges in Martinsville signifies a significant stride towards improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility in the region. The successful implementation of these upgrades not only benefits local residents but also contributes to the overall development and resilience of the area’s transport network.
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