Restrictions to be lifted from Tarro Rail Bridge

The Tarro Rail Bridge will reopen to four lanes of traffic, including to restricted heavy vehicles, tomorrow morning (Thursday), weather permitting, following the completion of phase one of critical repairs.

Transport for NSW has been able to prioritise the urgent and critical repairs that are required to return the bridge to normal operating conditions as quickly and safely as possible. Further non-urgent works will be completed at a later stage. 

The last part of essential work needed to safely reopen all four lanes of the bridge, including to Class 1 heavy vehicles and those over 69 tonnes, is scheduled to be carried out tonight (Wednesday 25 October). 

Significant rain tonight could prevent the work from being completed.  A final inspection will occur immediately after the completion of the work before motorists and the freight sector will regain access to all four lanes of the bridge.

To minimise impacts to motorists, any further work required will be carried out at night. 

The additional passenger train services added to the Hunter Line between Newcastle and Maitland, which were put on to meet increased rail patronage will continue for now.

Two additional daily weekday services will run for an extra week while NSW TrainLink assesses passenger numbers following restrictions being lifted on the bridge.

Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Chief Operating Officer, Roger Weeks

“The lifting of restrictions on Tarro Rail Bridge have come sooner than expected, which will offer welcome relief to motorists across the Hunter and the freight sector.

“We acknowledge the impacts these restrictions have had while Transport for NSW work crews completed these critical repairs over the past week. 

“The safety of motorists and other road users will always be top priority. We thank the community for their patience and understanding while we have worked on the repairs to return the bridge to normal operating conditions.”