The Charleyong Bridge replacement project is underway, with the tender now awarded to build the new structure across the Mongarlowe River, in New South Wales.
Roads and Maritime Services awarded the tender for major work on the new Charleyong Bridge to SRG Civil.
The Australian Government has committed $5 million to the $23 million project under the Bridges Renewal Program, with the NSW Government providing the remaining $18 million.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, said the new $18.5 million Charleyong Bridge would increase safety for the Marlowe community and improve freight access.
“The new bridge will be safer than the structure it replaces, with a 100km/h speed limit and wider design, making it suitable for vehicles with a higher load limit,” Mr McCormack said.
NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro, John Barilaro, said the bridge, located on Main Road 92, was an important regional link for goods, quarried material and stock between Nowra, Braidwood and Canberra.
“This is a vital connection for local industries, and this upgrade will keep traffic moving at all times of the year, which is a really positive outcome for our economy,” Mr Barilaro said.
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said, “The new bridge will provide access for higher mass limit vehicles, meaning less trucks on the road, ensuring easier, faster and safer journeys for all road users.”
Liberal Senator for NSW, Jim Molan, said the existing Allan truss timber bridge opened in 1901 would be removed once the new bridge is complete.
“Suitable timber from the existing bridge will be recycled and used in the maintenance of other timber truss bridges — a great result for the environment,” Mr Molan said.
Early work on the road approaches to the bridge began in July, and is being carried out by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
The new bridge is expected to be opened in 2020, weather permitting.
