Medlow Bath pedestrian bridge to be lifted into place
A major section of a new 105-metre long pedestrian bridge across the Great Western Highway will be lifted into place next week, paving the way for improved safety benefits for the local community.
The new bridge is a key element of the $176.6 million upgrade of the highway through Medlow Bath and, when completed, will allow safer access to both sides of the road for all pedestrians including people with disabilities, families with prams, and rail passengers who might be carrying heavy luggage.
Once the bridge opens to traffic in early 2025, pedestrians will be able to cross the highway and access the Medlow Bath train station without interacting with road or rail traffic, dramatically increasing safety for all pedestrians in Medlow Bath.
The bridge’s unique design featuring sleek curves has been developed to sit neatly within the Medlow Bath landscape without detracting from the village feel of the area.
“The new pedestrian bridge will transform the way people move around the village,” Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies said.
“The bridge weighs 178 tonnes and comprises six individual segments, each constructed from Australian-made steel out of BlueScope Port Kembla.
“Three of the segments were installed in October and the two final pieces will fit into place in December, but next week we will see the key section that will take pedestrians across the four lanes of highway lifted into position by a 400-tonne crane in a single night shift on Tuesday 12 November.
“The work will be done at night when there is less traffic on the highway but the road will still need to be temporarily closed throughout the night for the safety of workers and road users.
“We appreciate the patience of residents while we complete this important safety upgrade for pedestrians in the local community.”
The final bridge design was determined following consultation between Transport for NSW, Heritage NSW and Blue Mountains City Council, as well as community members of the Pedestrian Bridge Working Group and Aboriginal representatives to ensure it met the community’s needs in terms of both usage and look.
There will be a lift at the western end of the bridge and, for the first time in NSW, the bridge design features a suspended recycled composite material floor to reduce slip risks following snow or on icy mornings.
The upgrade also includes a new lift and upgraded stairs from an existing heritage bridge to the Medlow Bath Railway Station.
The new bridge is expected to open to pedestrian traffic in early 2025.
The main bridge segment will be delivered to site on Monday 11 November, ready to be lifted into place on Tuesday 12 November.
The bridge lift will be completed overnight between 11pm and 4am, weather permitting.
Changed traffic conditions including a reduced speed limit will be in place on Tuesday 12 November, along with a one-hour closure of the Great Western Highway from 11pm-midnight and then temporary closures for up to 30 minutes as crews continue working throughout the night.
All road users are advised to plan their trips, follow the directions of signs and traffic control, and allow for extra travel time. Motorists may want to consider using Bells Line of Road to avoid delays.
For traffic updates, call 132 701, download the Live Traffic NSW app or visit livetraffic.com.