There are 30 crossings over the Murray River between the Snowy Mountains and the South Australian border. These crossings are vital to the economy of the Murray Valley region. The crossing of the Murray River between Corowa and Wahgunyah has been identified as necessary for the maintenance of the regional road network. The new crossing would provide a two lane, flood free crossing of the Murray River and incorporate provisions for cyclists as well as river navigation. The existing John Foord Bridge would be retained for local traffic and would be rehabilitated as a separate project following the opening of the new crossing.