The Maria River Bridge, 8km south of Kempsey, is complete and was opened to traffic today.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the Australian Government committed $7 million to this project.

“A 650 metre section of the highway has been upgraded to improve the alignment of the new bridge,” Mr Albanese said.

NSW Minster for Roads, Michael Daley, said the new bridge was built to meet the loading standards required to meet the traffic demands for the bridge.

“The existing northbound bridge, built in 1954, has been retained to be included in a future local access road when the highway is upgraded between Port Macquarie and Kempsey.

“Nearby residents will also have safer access to their properties as a result of these works,” he said.

A commemorative plaque has been erected just north of the bridge to document the heritage value of the old bridge and can be viewed at any time.

Work was initially carried out by Ridge Consolidated and was completed by RTA Road Services.