Dubbo Regional Council: Option one and four have been removed in Dubbo South and West future bridge

A council in the state’s central west will seek further direction on the next step towards a bridge connecting two high populated areas in Dubbo. Here’s the latest.

A council in the state’s central west is one step closer to linking West and South Dubbo, reinforcing the need for river crossings to support the region’s growth.

Dubbo Regional Council unanimously voted to obtain a business case and eliminate two out the four options proposed to construct a bridge providing an alternative commute to South and West Dubbo in Thursday night’s meeting.

In council documents, it has been recommended to remove option one and four brought forward by engineering and economic consulting firm Balmoral Group Australia.

Of the four proposed options detailed by the report, option two and three are outlined to deliver a net economic benefit, with the two remaining options examined to produce a net loss of an estimated $5 million each.

The second option connecting South Dubbo to Whylandra St at the Minore Rd intersection would cost an estimated $39 million to build and deliver a net profit of $5.5 million over a 30-year period, while the third option is expected to deliver a $12 million profit.

According to council staff, a business case will emerge highlighting the two suitable options to include a “more detailed design, traffic modelling and environmental assessments”.

The four proposed options for the West to South Dubbo Bridge.

“Option three is also likely to experience higher travel times than option two for vehicles commuting to and from Minore Rd across the bridge,” council staff reported.

“This is due to the longer travel distance along the alignment, as well as delays incurred by negotiating an additional intersection on the Newell Hwy - this will likely increase travel time costs and vehicle operating costs for option three when compared to option two.”

Option one has also been removed because it is expected to negatively impact Sandy Beach, while option four is expected to impact safety regarding children's sporting events in the area.

Public submissions for the proposed project closed early 2021, receiving 263 entries of the future construction of the bridge.

The business case is expected to be returned to council in 2024.