Work is well and truly underway with the bridge foundations completed in late December. These foundations involve the drilling of large circular holes within the underlying rock and the installation of reinforced concrete columns called piles.

The construction of above ground columns and the abutments will commence in 2021. The heavy rain experienced in late December raised the level of the Namoi River just above the central working platform. This was expected and the worksite prepared for the ingress of water. A few days are required this week to clean-up the site but there has been minimal interruption.

The road work recommenced this week and subsoil drains are currently being installed along the pavement from the bridge to Charles Street with sub-base and base granular pavement material being installed thereafter.

Works will progress into Rowan Street within the next few weeks. Once the road is completed in Rowan Street and sealed, traffic on Manilla Road will be diverted down Rowan Street and across on Charles Street to allow the intersection of Barraba Street and Manilla Road to be upgraded.

Roadworks are expected to be largely complete in March. Bridgeworks are expected to be completed in June with the opening of the new crossing.