Taxpayer-funded air conditioners could be installed in the homes of Dubbo residents impacted by construction of the proposed River Street bridge.
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A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) director confirmed the organisation sometimes pays for air conditioners because extra noise during the $140 million bridge's construction might mean nearby property owners "may want to keep their windows and doors closed".
"Air conditioning can help owners keep their property cool if they close their windows and doors during hot weather," RMS western region director Alistair Lunn told the Daily Liberal.
"It is offered as an optional treatment for consideration by eligible property owners," he said.
"The cost of any treatment is included in the overall project budget."
Potential noise impacts of the new 545-metre bridge were investigated as part of the development and design stage of the project, Mr Lunn said.
Sixteen properties were eligible for "treatments", he said.
"The project team has met with property owners to discuss potential treatments, including the installation of screen walls, fresh-air ventilation, window glazing, air conditioning and improvements to seals around windows and doors," Mr Lunn said.
"RMS is committed to mitigating and managing road traffic noise impacts when planning and building new roads...this commitment to mitigate potential noise impacts is not new and is not unusual."
Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in 2022.
