The construction contract for a new 30m road-over-rail bridge in the regional New South Wales’ town of Wallendbeen has been awarded after the original bridge suffered extensive damage due to poor weather.
Abergeldie was awarded the contract to replace the temporary single-lane steel bridge and permanently restore access for motorists and pedestrians.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the new bridge would replace two temporary structures that were installed following the damaged bridge’s closure in March.
“We know how important this corridor is to locals and freight operators, which is why we built a temporary bridge last October when the existing bridge was damaged in bad weather,” Mr Farraway said.
“This contract award moves us a step closer to delivering the new permanent two-lane crossing, which will improve travel times between the Hume Highway and the Riverina, the Olympic and Newell highways.
“We are aware of the community’s concerns regarding pedestrian access, and we’ll continue investigating options and consulting with locals while we get on with the job of replacing the current temporary bridge.
“We want to deliver a project that meets the needs of the local community and freight operators, and we will continue to explore active transport options.”
The new concrete girder bridge will feature a 30-metre-long bridge deck with better approaches and wider lanes opening up a more efficient freight route for the region.
UGL Regional Linx manages all operations and maintenance on the Country Regional Network in New South Wales and will work with the successful subcontractor Abergeldie to build the new bridge.
Construction work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.
Work may also be carried out over 24-hour periods when no trains are running during scheduled Australian Rail Track Corporation shutdowns. The community will be notified before this work is carried out.
During work, there will be additional noise and intermittent traffic stoppages on site. There will also be extra vehicle and machinery movements in the area.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said site set-up will start this month, ahead of construction starting in early 2023.
“I know there has been strong representation from the community about a pedestrian link and I want to reassure locals, options for a pedestrian link will continue to be explored and put in place following construction of the bridge,” Ms Cooke said.
“This temporary structure has served us well, but it is time to get on with constructing the new bridge and ensuring better access for all motorists.”
Feature Image: Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, at the site of the Wallendbeen road-over-rail bridge.
