Big Oaky Creek Bridge Open for Use
Published on 30 September 2025
Residents and visitors of Bathurst Regional Council can benefit from safer and smoother travel with the opening of the brand-new Big Oaky Creek Bridge on Upper Turon Road in Sofala.
This major infrastructure upgrade, largely funded through the NSW Government's Fixing Country Bridges Program, includes a new eight-metre-wide concrete bridge designed to improve traffic flow and resilience.
The project received $1.1 million in funding for the construction of the bridge, including $400,000 invested in the upgrade of the bitumen road approaches, which were completed earlier this month.
The dual-lane bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance safety for all road users. It also features advanced hydraulic design and has been raised by 300mm to improve flood resilience - engineered to withstand a 1-in-50-year storm event.
Mayor Cr Robert Taylor said the new bridge follows the natural shape of the creek, helping it better withstand extreme weather conditions.
“The old wooden bridge was approaching the end of its lifetime. Thanks to NSW Government funding, we have been able to significantly upgrade this valuable piece of infrastructure, servicing not only locals but the high number of tourists that visit the area.
“The build quality and ease of use is vastly improved and delivers a futureproofed asset to all those travelling across the region,” Mayor Taylor said.
Labor Spokesperson for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence MLC said better bridges mean better connections for regional communities.
“This new structure doesn’t just improve safety, it makes it easier for locals, visitors and freight operators to move around the Bathurst Region with confidence.
“This upgrade is about building more connected regional communities. This bridge will ensure Sofala has the infrastructure it needs to support locals, boost tourism, and keep the region moving for decades to come,” commented Mr Lawrence.
Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole MP, remarked that safer and stronger bridges will help keep motorists moving around the Bathurst Region for generations to come.
“This $1.1 million project replaced the existing timber bridge over Big Oaky Creek (built in 1952) on the Upper Turon Road with a modern equivalent dual lane concrete bridge.
“The new bridge will provide a safer and more reliable crossing of Big Oaky Creek and it will also ensure motorists travelling through Sofala will have a smoother journey.
“The former NSW Coalition Government had a strong focus on opening up more efficient transport routes across regional NSW, proven by the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program which funded this project,” Mr Toole said.
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