Sod turned on Wellington's new accessible bridge
THE first sod was turned for the new Wellington Pedestrian Bridge on the weekend.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson and Member for Calare Andrew Gee met on the banks of the Bell River on April 23 to officially mark the start of construction.
The first stages of construction works will include clearing six exotic, peripheral trees to prepare the site for the construction of piers ahead of the bridge deck’s arrival.
Mayor Dickerson said the pedestrian bridge had long been on the agenda for Wellington.
“This is an exciting milestone; the replacement bridge has been a key project for the Wellington community since the original bridge was deemed unfit for purpose in 2017,” he said.
“The new accessible bridge will create a great linkage between the Wellington CBD and the popular sporting precinct of Pioneer Park.”
Dubbo Regional Council received $738,000 from the Australian Government to construct the new 41.5-metre truss arch bridge. Council contributed a further $470,000 to the project.
Mr Gee said the original suspension bridge was a ‘much-loved feature of the town’ which had been missed since its closure five years ago.
“That’s why I’m very excited that local residents and visitors to Wellington will soon be able to enjoy a stroll from Cameron to Pioneer Park on a new truss arch bridge,” he said.
“Cameron Park is an especially beautiful part of Wellington, and now with works starting on the
new accessible bridge, a visit to the park will become even better.”
The new bridge will be accessible for visitors of all abilities and will include Australian Standard compliant ramps for access and mobility.
“Pedestrians using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, cyclists, recreational scooters, as well as carers
with prams and small children will find the bridge easy to cross," Mr Gee said.
Sydney company Teleo Design has been engaged to design and oversee the construction.
Elements of the existing bridge will be retained for heritage significance, and council will develop interpretative signs to convey
its history.
A construction zone will be formed around the area in the coming weeks, and visitors are encouraged to stay clear of the area for safety reasons.
The bridge is scheduled to be completed by the end of July 2022, weather permitting.