At the moment, a one lane bridge on the Polhill Road is a wooden structure with a low weight limit.  The plan is to turn into a concrete structure better able to take heavier loads.  This, according to the plan, could shorten some journeys by 35 kilometres.

The work is being carried out under the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said he had worked closely with the community to identify key bridges for improvement.

“This funding will contribute towards the cost of replacement or upgrade of bridges in the New England Electorate to create improved transport links for local businesses, families and school children travelling throughout the electorate.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the renewal of bridges would “deliver social and economic benefits”.  The total cost of the work on the Glen Innes bridge is $592,000 and the tranche of funding now announced is $292,000.