TAMWORTH Regional Council is yet to finalise the exact route of Manilla’s new Namoi River crossing.
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Earlier this month, the state government announced a $8.7-million low level bridge, however the community has yet to be consulted about the project.
Council’s regional services director Peter Resch said while the news “caught council by surprise”, it was a “fantastic announcement”.
“Generally, these funding applications have stages, with things like business plans developed as you progress through the stages,” Mr Resch said.
“So we haven’t finalised the exact location just yet. We have a few options when it comes to the northern side of the river.”
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While the crossing point of Arthur Street is set in stone, Mr Resch said council was investigating where the new route would link back up to Fossickers Way.
“All the routes are existing road reserves, so there will be no need for land acquisitions,” he said.
“We need to be mindful that it will be used by heavy vehicles, so we have think about the grading of the road – if it’s too steep a grade it can be difficult for drivers and too noisy for residents.”
Council is preparing a letter to send to all Manilla residents about the project.
“Once we have a better handle on what the options are likely to be, we’ll definitely start talking to residents,” Mr Resch said.
The town’s 130-year-old Manilla Street bridge is so narrow it becomes a one-way thoroughfare when a truck crosses it.