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Published on 10 June 2025
With the construction of the all-new concrete bridge at Big Oaky Creek completed, Council is pleased to commence work on the updated road approaches. This has been made possible through $400,000 of funding from the State Government.
Local media is invited to attend an official viewing of the new bridge today with Acting Mayor, Cr Ben Fry, and Member for Bathurst, The Hon. Paul Toole.
When: 10 June
Time: 11am
Where: 261 Upper Turon Road, Sofala
Cr Ben Fry, Acting Bathurst Mayor, noted the benefit of this infrastructure upgrade to the Sofala community and wider Bathurst Region.
“The old wooden bridge was rapidly approaching the end of its lifespan. Thanks to funding from the State Government's Fixing Country Bridges Program, this stretch of road has a new lease on life.
“The all-new concrete Big Oaky Creek Bridge is dual-lane, reducing an oft-challenging bottleneck, and has advanced hydraulics and a 300mm height increase, designed for a 1 in 50-years storm.
“The overall level of service and ease of use is vastly improved and delivers a futureproofed asset to all those travelling across the region.
"Works on the bridge construction progressed exceptionally well. It is pleasing to now have $400,000 from the State Government to continue on with the works on the road approaches. Council looks forward to announcing the full completion of this project soon, with an official opening date to be set for September 2025,” said Cr Fry.
Member for Bathurst, The Hon. Paul Toole MP, remarked that safer and stronger bridges will help keep motorists moving around the Bathurst Region for generations to come.
“With each timber bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for everyone from heavy freight vehicles to the local school bus and even RFS tankers to reach incidents quicker.
“Safer roads mean safer journeys for everyone,” said Mr Toole.
An official opening date of the bridge will be announced once the road approaches are completed in September.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer
P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au