To build or not to build? But we've got $140 million for it
A second bridge over the Macquarie River has long been a hot topic, and never more talked about than when it rains and floods and the Emile Serisier bridge goes under, leaving residents just the LH Ford Bridge to get from one side of the river to the other.
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Admittedly it's been a few years since this has happened, but the solution for when it does is just $140 million dollars away.
What that solution is will all depend on who is elected to government on Saturday, March 23.
As for how long away it is, well, how long is a piece of string?
On Thursday Country Labor candidate for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence and Shadow Minister for Regional Roads Peter Primrose announced a Labor government would call a halt on plans to build the River Street bridge.
But they said a Labor government would guarantee the $140 million for an alternative proposal no matter who represented the Dubbo electorate.
Interestingly at the same time, Labor also said the current government hadn't consulted the community on the location of the bridge.
A quick dive through our archives showed a number of articles we had written about the consultation process and the optional plans for each of the bridges back in 2016.
On Friday it was the Nationals turn to talk all things bridges with their candidate Dugald Saunders and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey showcasing an artist's impression of the Coalition's plan for the River Street Bridge.
The duo said their planned bridge would be about 545 metres long, and be able to cope with a one-in-25-year flood.
It all depends on what happens when we go to the polls on March 23.
The money is there - and it's staying - but it's up to residents to say what they think.
Both the Nationals and Labor have different ideas on what should happen.
Which do you agree with?
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