Australian infrastructure construction firm Abergeldie has secured the Lansdowne bridge replacement contract in New South Wales (NSW).

Under the A$18.6m ($13.56m) contract, the contractor will build the new bridge across the Mulwaree River in NSW.

Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Federal and NSW Governments were funding the project to build the new bridge and upgrade its road approaches.

“Around Australia, especially in rural and regional Australia, the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing to build the roads country communities deserve and to help people get home sooner and safer,” McCormack added.

“The new bridge is also expected to cut maintenance costs over the next 100 years and reduce disruption to the community in the long term.”

“Works to demolish the old bridge have rapidly changed the landscape surrounding the former crossing, with a brighter future for the region around the corner thanks to this significant bridge replacement project.”

NSW Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Minister Pavey said that the new Lansdowne Bridge will boost access for freight operators and that work would soon start.

Pavey adds: “The new crossing will help to change people’s lives by improving safety and result in more efficient travel for road users, including pedestrians and cyclists and heavy vehicle drivers.”

The project is expected to improve road user safety due to wider traffic lanes, enhance road approaches and offer a shared path across the new bridge.

It also includes construction of a new intersection between Bungonia Road and Forbes Street to the east of the bridge.

The new bridge is also expected to cut maintenance costs over the next 100 years and reduce disruption to the community in the long term as the bridge will no longer need to be closed for frequent maintenance.

Upon completion, heavy vehicles will be able to travel across the new the bridge.

Work on the new replacement bridge is expected to commence in the coming weeks and is due to complete in approximately 12 months.