Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter announced the funding under the Fixing Country Roads and Fixing Country Rail programs.

The replacement of the Tillegra Bridge is one of 33 projects across regional NSW to share in $135 million.

Dungog Mayor Tracy Norman said the funding was “fantastic news”.

“There’s been a load limit of 40 tonnes on the Tillegra Bridge which has stopped trucks with large loads going across and having to either unload or do a long detour,” she said.

“Local farmers have also been suffering by not being able to get heavy loads across the bridge.”

Mr Johnsen said the replacement of the bridge will improve the route’s freight capacity and access to the Williams Valley.

“This replacement bridge will also reduce the current average large heavy vehicle transport distance from 166km round trip to 101km.

“Our freight trucks and trains carry our food, produce and raw materials that support our local Dungog community.

“These projects will ensure freight vehicles get to where they need to be, improve connectivity between regional centres, state roads and freight facilities, reducing travel times, improving safety, and bring freight costs down.”

The council estimates the replacement cost of the bridge is $1.77million and will now need to consider where the remaining funds will come from.

Last year the council received state government grants for replacement of four of its old bridges - $1.6 million was for the replacement of two timber bridges across the Allyn River at Allynbrook; a further $2 million was for the replacement of two timber bridges across the Paterson River at Gresford and Lostock.