Work spanning more than a year has made it possible for Dubbo's 50-year-old LH Ford Bridge to be part of the effort to "ensure essential goods" are delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The bridge can now be used by higher mass limit heavy vehicles weighing up to 68 tonnes.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders report work on the bridge has been completed.
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"This is great news for the freight industry and ensures the important job of getting supplies to and from the Central West can happen as efficiently and safely as possible," Mr Toole said.
"As a government, we're working closely with the freight sector to ensure essential goods get to where they need to go in our communities, especially to hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets."
Mr Saunders said work since the end of 2018 had made the bridge stronger, safer and more efficient.
"LH Ford Bridge is an iconic and essential piece of infrastructure in Dubbo, providing a link between the east and west of the town and a safe crossing over the Macquarie River in the event of a flood," he said.
Mr Toole said the work included installing two new supports and strengthening the 613-metre bridge "so it can serve the community well into the future".
"During the work, there was minimal disruption to traffic with only occasional lane or bridge closures," he said.
"Final work on the supports, followed by removal of scaffolding and site equipment will continue in coming weeks."
