Work on the bridge over Muttama Creek on Sutton Street in Cootamundra has been completed, following an 11-week closure. Photo: Steph Cooke.
The Muttama Creek bridge on the Olympic Highway has reopened to traffic, following its closure of more than 10 weeks for maintenance and upgrades.
Residents in Cootamundra are no longer required to use the pedestrian detours placed on Mackay, Hurley and Thompson streets, and motorists will no longer need to make a detour through Mackay, Hovell and Hurley streets.
Work on the bridge on Sutton Street began at the end of May, and involved replacing the bridge’s retaining walls, resurfacing the bridge and improving drainage.
Transport for NSW Executive Director, Partnerships and Integration South Cassandra Ffrench said the upgrade ensured the vital link’s longevity.
“The project involved replacing the concrete walls under the bridge to provide a stronger and more robust supporting structure,” Ms Ffrench said.
“The road surface was also replaced to increase the life of the landmark and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.
“Through engineering ingenuity, the bridge deck is now also 50 tonnes lighter than the original, resulting in a creek crossing that will improve flood resilience and keep the community connected for decades to come.
“This has been a big step into the future for the oldest surviving slab bridge in NSW.”
Ms Ffrench said the newly upgraded bridge had local connections, with concrete coming from a local quarry, bridge crew from the Riverina and earthmoving workers from Gundagai.
Transport for NSW thanked residents, pedestrians and motorists for their patience.
“We want to thank the Cootamundra community and all road users for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure upgrade,” Ms Ffrench said.
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