The new bridge will be built upstream from the 130-year-old existing crossing. The decision on the preferred location will allow planning to start later this year on the intersection and bridge concept designs.

A total of AU$12m has been committed by the national and state governments to carry out investigations and planning.

The project is being developed because of the increasing maintenance needs of the southbound iron truss bridge. The maintenance requires the bridge be closed but the bridge carries some 50,000 vehicles a day and so work can only be carried out during limited night shift hours.