UPDATE: The load limit on the vital Scabbing Flat Bridge in the Central West has just been raised from 16 tonnes to 42.5 tonnes ahead of the critical harvest season, providing much-needed relief to local farmers. However, producers are quick to emphasize that there is “still a long way to go.”
After months of restrictions aimed at preserving the timber heritage-listed bridge, which has been under repair since December 2023, the full load capacity will be restored on Friday, October 17, at noon. This change comes as a significant boost, effectively reducing travel time for farmers by 25 to 45 minutes when transporting stock, machinery, or fodder.
Farmer and Scabbing Flat Bridge Action Group representative Michelle Tomkins expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It’s great that it’s open as you can get semis across the bridge, but the bigger trucks we can’t.” She added that while the bridge’s reopening is a step forward, many challenges remain.
The bridge currently enforces a 20-kilometre-per-hour speed limit and a 3.4-metre lane width restriction as final truss repairs continue. Tomkins emphasized the community’s long-standing request for a new bridge that meets modern agricultural needs, pointing to a petition that has already garnered more than 1,000 signatures.
“We raised the issue at the NSW Farmers’ conference, where a motion was passed that no bridges of this type in prime agricultural areas should carry heritage classification,” Tomkins said. She highlighted the safety risks and economic inefficiencies posed by outdated infrastructure.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison acknowledged the bridge’s importance, stating, “We know how important this bridge is to farmers and the local economy, and crews have worked around the clock to make sure it was back to full strength in time for harvest.”
Local leaders are equally optimistic. Dubbo Regional Council mayor Josh Black noted that this moment has been long awaited, declaring, “Scabbing Flat Bridge is a vital connection for our farmers and freight operators, and these works will make a real difference to local productivity and safety.”
In the backdrop of the impending harvest, GrainCorp head of supply chain Josh Connell emphasized the need for continued investment in road access and freight efficiency, stating, “With another busy harvest approaching in NSW, targeted investment in freight routes is essential to maintaining supply chain reliability.”
While the increased load limit signals progress, wider vehicles will still need to use approved detours via Wellington or Dubbo. Additionally, occasional closures of up to 15 minutes may occur to allow crews to work safely. Once the truss work is completed later this year, the temporary bailey bridge will be removed, restoring normal traffic conditions.
As farmers gear up for what promises to be a busy harvest season, the community remains hopeful for further improvements. The situation is developing, and all eyes are on the bridge’s full restoration to support the region’s agricultural backbone.
