The council announced the town's new bridge and road upgrade would follow a route using Arthur and Rowan streets.

With the purchase of the final necessary land, the route was determined this week.

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Tamworth mayor Col Murray said the four potential routes identified at the community information session in March were assessed in detail.

"A route suggested by community members using Langworthys Lane and River Street was also reviewed but it had several issues which mean it was not a workable option."

"I am confident Arthur Street and Rowan Street provides the best outcome overall.

"It's welcome news for Manilla residents - they have been waiting for the route to be determined since the funding for the project was announced at the start of this year," Cr Murray said.

The proposed $8.7 million low-level bridge will save an estimated 48,000 kilometres and more than 6,800 hours of travel each year.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the announcement is great news for the almost 121,000 vehicles that cross the Namoi River carrying about 985,000 tonnes of freight annually.

"The historic and narrow 110 metres-long bridge that was completed in 1886, is a bottleneck for traffic," he said.

"It was possible to improve the Arthur Street and Rowan Street route by eliminating the ninety degree corners and having sweeping curves instead which improves safety and reduces possible noise impacts.

"This route means heavy vehicles won't need to come to a stop to turn the corners."

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