Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has called for tenders to construct the pedestrian bridge between Cameron and Pioneer Park in Wellington.

The original suspension bridge was closed in 2017 after being deemed unsafe.

The design for a 41.5 metre truss arch bridge, that will reconnect the Wellington central business district (CBD) with the popular sporting precinct of Pioneer Park, was endorsed was endorsed by council earlier this year.

READ ALSO:

The new bridge will be repositioned four metres south of the existing bridge, with access to Cameron Park from the existing granite path system. It will also feature a ramp style exit and entry on the Pioneer Park side to ensure Australian standard compliant access, and built 600mm above the one in 100 year flood level to reduce the potential of damage.

Manager for Recreation and Open Space, Ian McAlister said this was an exciting step in a very thorough process.

"Planning and designing a bridge to this scale, suitable for a heritage area, with improved access and connectivity has taken some careful consideration," he said.

"Following council's endorsement earlier this year, the engineered designs, were submitted via a Development Application (DA) process which included a heritage impact study, Aboriginal due diligence assessment and a review of environmental factors."

Elements of the existing bridge will be retained for heritage significance, and the council will be developing interpretative signs to convey its history.

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said locals and tourists would be taking their first steps on the new accessible bridge in the not too distant future.

"It's fantastic that tenders are now open for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Bell River in Wellington," he said.

"With the tender process under way, I'm delighted that local residents in town, and visitors to Wellington, will soon be able to enjoy a stroll across the new truss arch bridge in the coming year.

"While locals had a lot of love for the old suspension bridge, the new bridge will be accessible to all, and is sure to become a favourite, picture-postcard feature of Wellington."

Tenders are open until December 14, 2021.

Construction is expected to begin in January 2022 and is expected to be complete by May.