A major milestone has been reached on Dubbo’s biggest piece of infrastructure, with the final bridge girder craned into place.

The last of the more than 120 pre-stressed concrete girders was lifted into place on the western end of the 660-metre-long bridge, where the new structure crosses the Macquarie River downstream from the city.

With the girders installed, crews can continue pouring the concrete to form the bridge deck, installing parapets and streetlights, and laying the road surface to complete the bridge ready for traffic.

During construction, work on the largest infrastructure project in Dubbo is supporting an estimated 290 direct and 1200 indirect jobs, according to Transport for NSW.

Once open to traffic, the New Dubbo Bridge is set to transform the way locals, tourists and freight operators travel through Dubbo, by easing congestion, allowing for future growth in north-west Dubbo, and improving access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events.

Work began on the bridge – which crosses the Macquarie River and a large portion of the surrounding flood plain – in March 2023.

Following investigation of six strategic options and community consultation, and despite opposition from some people in the city, River Street was announced as the preferred route for the new bridge in May 2017.

The preferred option was chosen to improve freight efficiency on the Newell Highway, reduce traffic congestion, and provide an additional route during flood events.

The $263.2 million project is on track for completion in 2026.