Parkes Phoenix

Sod Turn Event For Graddle Creek Bridge Project

Roxane Manley

Construction is officially underway on the Graddle Creek Bridge, with a sod-turning event being attended by many local com­munity members in support of this signifi­cant regional project.

The event was also attended by the Mem­ber for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, and NSW MLC Stephen Law­rence.

Funded by the NSW Government and Parkes Shire Council, this project was awarded $7.99 million under the NSW Gov­ernment’s Fixing Country Roads program, with a total investment of $8.14 million.

The current crossing at Graddle (Genaren) Creek has long been a concern for local residents, freight operators, and emergency services, and this project will deliver a new, higher bridge that will remove the need for vehicles to use the existing low-level cause­way.

Furthermore, road realignments on either side of the bridge will remove the dog-leg turn and provide safer, straighter approach­es. The McGrane Way is a designated re­gional road train and AB Triple route linking Narromine, Parkes and Lachlan Shires. It is a vital corridor for transporting grain, live­stock, and goods, as well as supporting pro­posed mining operations.

More than 260 vehicles use the route per day, including a high proportion of heavy ve­hicles. Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said the whole community is looking forward to the completion of this project. “The existing low level causeway is highly vulnerable during flood events, often resulting in road closures and forcing heavy vehicles to take detours of around 200 kilometres. This vital invest­ment will eliminate this and significantly im­prove safety, resilience, and connectivity for the region,” Cr Westcott said.

“We’re grateful for the NSW Govern­ment’s funding support and are pleased to be working with local Peak Hill-based com­pany Dearnu Pty Ltd to deliver this project” he said.

Construction of the new bridge is expect­ed to be completed by the end of 2026.

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