A crane on top of a barge in the Macquarie River was used to locate the best place for bridge piles as part of geotechnical works happening to help shape the final design.

Parkes MP Mark Coulton and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders made the announcement this week.

Utility and drainage investigations will also take place.

Jointly funded by the federal and state governments, the $220 million project is on track for the "detailed design" to be released by the end of the year.

ALSO READ:

"Sounding work to determine the best location for the bridge piles has been carried out over the past couple of weeks," Mr Saunders said.

"Transport for NSW will continue with initial utility investigations of electrical, gas, telecommunications, water and sewer lines and a survey of drainage in the area, and work also continues with impacted landholders."

Mr Coulton said the second high-level crossing of the Macquarie River was a priority infrastructure project.

"The project will ease congestion and maintain reliable access through Dubbo to ensure people can reach the hospital and other critical services during flood events," he said.

"We are on track to be able to share the detailed design towards the end of this year, and early 2022 we will call for tenders for construction and other works to relocate utilities," Mr Saunders said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: