CONTRACTORS VIE FOR DIXONS LONG POINT CROSSING CONTRACT

The 170-year dream to construct a river crossing at Dixons Long Point is a major step closer to reality, with tenders now open to pre-qualified contractors to complete the $29.8 million project.

After an extensive EOI process conducted by Mid-Western Regional Council, three respondents have been invited to tender submissions for the design and construction of a bridge across the Macquarie River and approaching roads at Dixons Long Point.

The development of the river crossing will include early earthworks to gain access to the site, performance of remaining geotechnical investigations and approvals, and the full design and construction of access roads and the bridge.

Construction of the Dixons Long Point Crossing is expected to be complete by late 2024.

The Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the opening of the tender process is an important and exciting step towards construction.

“Since the days of the gold rush, residents across the Central West have raised their voices, calling for a river crossing at Dixons Long Point,” said Minister Gee.

“After a century and a half of campaigning for this vital bridge to be built, locals are a step closer to walking and driving over the Macquarie River, with the project now out to tender for the long-awaited river crossing!

“Three pre-qualified companies are vying for the contract to build the bridge which will link the region and open up access between the wider Central West region with the Hunter Valley.

“In a remarkable piece of engineering, the bridge will be 110.8 meters long, with the bridge deck to sit 13 metres above the natural water level of the Macquarie River.

“With the current crossing closed for an average of 52 days each year, engineers expect the new bridge to be accessible to all vehicles all year round – not just 4-wheel drives! – and to withstand one in twenty-year flood events.

“Tenders for the project close in June, with a contract expected to be awarded by Mid-Western Regional Council in late July. The key, region-connecting crossing is expected to be in operation by late 2024.

“It is terrific to cross yet another milestone off the list and enter the next stage of this project, after preliminary geotechnical testing to investigate the site wrapped up earlier this year.

“The new road and crossing will deliver enormous economic and tourism benefits for current and future generations, including our primary producers.

“I’d like to thank Mid-Western Regional Council and project leader Ray Kearns for their outstanding work as well as all of the representatives of our local Indigenous organisations and nearby farmers, whom we’ve worked closely with.

“The project will be a game changer for the region. It will slash travel times and open the region up for tourism and business, and connect a number of local government areas including Mudgee/Mid-Western Regional, Dubbo Regional, Bathurst, Cabonne, and Orange,” said Mr Gee.

Media contact

Sinéad Fogarty - 0417 852 386