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PhotoNews Photo News DUBBO
30,000 local readers every week JULY 15-21, 2021 | LOCALLY OWNED & INDEPENDENT | FREE!
COVID SHUTDOWN Bridge and road works hit by lockdown orders By JOHN RYAN
Left: Work at the West Dubbo roundabout could be delayed by up to three weeks at this stage because of wet weather and Sydney asphalt contractors unable to leave home because of the Covid-19 travel restrictions. Middle and main photo: Work on the River Street Bridge has ground to a halt after workers essential to the project were told they had to lock down in Sydney. Right: It’s the same story at the Fitzroy/Cobra Streets roundabout, with little work able to be done because so many workers vital to the project are locked out of Dubbo. PHOTOS: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS
COVID lockdowns in Sydney have forced work crews on projects such as the River Street Bridge to shut down and the travel restrictions have also delayed work on the roundabouts at West Dubbo and Fitzroy Street. Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders told Dubbo Photo News the new state regulations have added with the wet weather to make any construction timelines uncertain. “The response to COVID-19 is constantly evolving and Transport for NSW have followed the NSW Health advice and delayed asphalt contractors traveling from Sydney to Dubbo until it is safe to do so,” Mr Saunders said. “The asphalt work is essential for the Dubbo roadwork projects and we are working with the contractors on a COV-
ID safe plan for the works to continue safely and to minimise the impact to the works programs. “Although COVID-19 has contributed to delays to road works in Dubbo, recent wet weather has also impacted some projects by up to 2 to 3 weeks.” Mr Saunders said the anticipated delays at this stage to the projects will be: z West Dubbo roundabout (Newell Highway Mitchell Highway intersection upgrade): two to three weeks delay because of wet weather and Covid-19 z Fitzroy Street roundabout (Cobra Fitzroy Intersection): two to three weeks delay due to wet weather and Covid-19 and z River Street Bridge: a two week delay to current works however Mr Saunders said this is expected to have minimal impact to the overall program at this stage.
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