Railway overpass at Molong

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is constructing a new overpass of the railway line at Molong on the Mitchell Highway.  This project is fully funded by the Australian Government.

Background

The existing narrow bridge, built in 1938, is not adequate for higher mass limit vehicles.

This project is part of the Australian Government’s $30 million package to strengthen/replace various bridges on the Mitchell Hoghway to accommodate future higher mass vehicles.  The Mitchell Highway is part of the AusLink route between Penrith and Dubbo.

Higher mass limit vehicles have the capacity to carry higher weights than normal heavy vehicles, provided they can comply with stringent operating conditions. For more information on higher mass limits vehicles go here.

Project features

• Increase the structural capacity to cater for higher mass limit vehicles.
• Remove the existing tight corners either side of the old bridge to improve the alignment.
• Widen the structure to improve safety for all road users.
• Upgrade a number of intersections with protected turn lanes or localised widening.

Current activities

During September the RTA started site work, mainly on the eastern side of the project.

Activities included:

• Installating sediment and erosion controls.
• Building fencing to provide visual guides to pedestrians to ensure they do not  inadvertently stray onto the work site.
• Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil.
• Pouring footings and installing precast units on the large box culvert (visible from the highway).
• Excavating along the railway cutting for the bridge foundations.

The large pre-cast concrete arches which will form the main part of the structure also started arriving on site and are being stockpiled on the GrainCorp site before being moved into position in a few months time.

Water for the project is being sourced directly from Cabonne Council and not from Molong Creek.

During October expect to see:

• Drainage work continuing.
• Completion of the footings for the bridge in readiness for placing the arches in November.
• Changed traffic conditions along Watson Street with the diversion of local traffic planned from Monday 12 October.

Community consultation

The RTA is working with residents, businesses, road users and other stakeholders to improve the project and minimise impacts on the community.

In addition, the RTA will be working with representatives from the Molong Beautification Committee on landscaping plans upon completion of the work.

For further information

If you would like further information or to make comment:

Phone the project manager, Dion Killiby on (02) 6393 5433 or 0428 633 020.

Send written comments to:

Molong overpass project
RTA
PO Box 334
PARKES   NSW   2870

Email: molongoverpass@rta.nsw.gov,au