Proposed temporary closure of Tooleybuc Bridge from June
15 April 2022
Transport for NSW apologises for the concern caused by the proposed temporary closure on the Tooleybuc Bridge for maintenance work.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Tooleybuc Bridge is an important link for communities and freight across the Murray River, and this work is necessary to ensure the bridge can stay open for transport customers and heavy vehicles.
“Work will include repairs to the support piers and baileys on the bridge, which requires heavy piling equipment to be placed on the bridge deck to carry out the work.” Mr Farraway said.
As this is high impact work, Transport for NSW is proposing to carry out the project in early June under a six-week bridge closure.
This work cannot be carried out under traffic due to the need for heavy machinery on the narrow bridge. Night work is also not possible due to the noisy nature of the work and inefficiency of moving major machinery on and off the bridge.
“Transport for NSW understands the concern the community has about the length of this closure, however it is the fastest way to complete the work to ensure the bridge remains safe and can continue to serve the community,” Mr Farraway said.
“We are getting the job done for the community and freight industry in June when there is no harvest and less tourist traffic to help minimise impacts to Tooleybuc.”
“Delaying this work is likely to result in longer term closures or load limits.”
“Transport will be consulting with the freight industry, councils, community and local businesses to keep everybody informed of this work, and will have VMS messaging at a number of locations alerting to the work and appropriate detours.”
Transport will also ensure there is a solution for getting students to and from school.
Detours will be in place for light vehicles via Nyah Bridge and B Doubles will be detoured via Swan Hill Bridge.
Transport would like to hear from the community and welcomes comments on the closure to the project email murrayrivercrossing@transport.nsw.gov.au.
Further information will be sent to the community in the coming weeks, with detailed detour information, maps, a start date and confirmed program.
Transport will work as quickly as possible to reduce impacts on the community and appreciate your continued support as work is carried out to strengthen Tooleybuc Bridge.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the live traffic app or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.