Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Abb McAllister on the site of the temporary road-over-rail bridge, with the new permanent bridge shown in the background. Photo: Steph Cooke.
Construction of the new road-over-railway Wallendbeen Bridge is nearing completion, with work about to start on constructing the required road approaches so it can open to traffic.
The announcement comes four years after an existing bridge on Burley Griffin Way at Wallendbeen was removed following severe damage sustained during wet weather in March 2021.
In October 2021 a temporary single-lane steel bridge was installed in its place allowing motorists to drive the full length of Burley Griffin Way without the need for lengthy detours.
The new bridge has been built parallel to the temporary bridge, about 20 metres southwest of the original bridge alignment.
Transport for NSW Regional Director South Cassandra Ffrench has confirmed work, which will include upgrades to Silo, Morrisons Hill, North Jindalee and Cemetery roads, will start in coming weeks to prepare the site for the final stage of work.
“We will be setting up the worksite, erecting new boundary fencing and removing vegetation,” Ms Ffrench said.
She said the new bridge would return a two-lane crossing to motorists, improving safety and travel times on this important freight corridor.
“The new bridge will be wider, safer and stronger,” Ms Ffrench said.
It has also been built higher to accommodate future freight needs, she said.
“For this reason, the road approaches must be raised to meet the increased height of the new bridge,” Ms Ffrench said.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has applauded the announcement, saying it’s a welcome step forward for the Wallendbeen community and all road users who rely on the vital freight and transport corridor which links the Hume Highway to regional communities in the west of the state.
“After years of frustration, ongoing delays, and significant disruption due to detours, we are finally seeing real progress towards opening the long-awaited new bridge to traffic,” she said.
Ms Cooke said she had consistently raised issues about the impact of the bridge closure, including safety risks and access challenges.
“I’ve been calling for a new Wallendbeen Bridge to be constructed from the moment the original bridge failed in early 2021,” she said.
“While it’s taken far too long, I’m relieved to see the road approaches are now the focus.”
She, too, thanked the community for their patience and perseverance over the years.
“I’ll continue to pressure the NSW Government and Transport for NSW to deliver this work as quickly and safely as possible so we can see the new bridge finally opened,” Ms Cooke said.
Early work is expected to start on Monday (31 March) followed by major work, weather permitting, in May.
During this time, the speed limit on North Jindalee and Morrison Hill roads will be reduced to 40 km/h within the worksite.
Road users are advised to expect delays of up to 10 minutes during work hours.
Transport will keep the community updated as the timeline is finalised and work progresses.
Motorists are encouraged to stay up to date via Live Traffic and Transport for NSW channels.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
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