A pedestrian bridge over Wellington's Bell Park is moving closer to construction.
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A concept design for a truss arch bridge that would provide a link between Cameron and Pioneer parks was endorsed by council this week.
Dubbo Regional Council has received $738,000 from the federal government for the completion of the bridge and will chip in another $100,000.
It's expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The original suspension bridge was closed in 2017 after being deemed unsafe.
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Council's director liveability Skye Price said she acknowledged the bridge had been sorely missed.
"The original bridge provided a great link between Wellington CBD, the popular Pioneer Park sporting ground; as well as the showground and Mt Arthur," she said.
But the director said the new bridge would be extremely inclusive.
"We appreciate there is much nostalgia related to the traditional suspension bridge. It was an iconic installation," Ms Price said.
"The new bridge will be accessible for residents and visitors of all abilities. Australian Standard compliant ramps for access and mobility will ensure safe, convenient bridge use. People using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, cyclists, recreational scooters, as well as people with prams and small children will find the bridge easy to traverse."
Ms Price said accessibility was important and she was sure the community would make great use of it.
The project is something councillor David Grant is "very passionate" about.
"It's been a long-time coming and I'm very excited to see it's just about there and I look forward to actually seeing the construction and the finished product," he said.
Councillor John Ryan said said people from across the region spoke of how beautiful the riverbank ovals were and the new bridge would link those ovals to the town's central business district.
"I think this is going to be a great thing economically for Wellington, as well as socially," he said.
Cr Grant said he also wanted to congratulate the community groups who had been behind the push for the new bridge.
Council is investigating the possibility of retaining some major structural components of the original bridge, due to its historical significance.
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