Work to begin on the new Towong Bridge

The NSW and Victorian governments have provided $10 million for the Towong Bridge replacement project which will provide the community with a safer, smoother and longer lasting new river crossing. 

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the bridge will provide the cross-border communities in the Towong area with a safer river crossing for both motorists and pedestrians. 

“This project involves removing a bridge which is at the end of its life and replacing it with a structure that provides the community with a safer and stronger bridge crossing for those needing reliable access to travel the region,” the spokesperson said. 

“The new bridge is designed to carry current and future traffic loads. It will provide a smoother crossing for light and heavy vehicles and allow a safer crossing for pedestrians accessing the area with a walkway included in the design. 

“It also means less ongoing maintenance and disruption to the community due to closures when the old bridge required repairs.” 

Yackandandah company Nelmac Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to construct the new bridge on behalf of Transport for NSW, with work scheduled to start on Thursday 2 June. Work is expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather permitting. 

The new 58-metre-long concrete bridge will be built on the same alignment and incorporates two traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway. 

With removal of the old bridge already complete, the spokesperson said Transport recognised there would be some traffic disruption during Stage 2 of the project and appreciated the community’s patience and understanding towards achieving a new bridge with long-term benefits. 

“We understand the impacts of the detours around the bridge and our team will work as quickly as possible to replace the crossing to minimise delays and any issues for the community,” the spokesperson said. 

Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays as required. 

There will be no access to the site during the project. The size of the nearby campground has been reduced to accommodate the site compound. 

Towong Road (NSW) and Towong Hill Road (Victoria) will be closed for the duration of the project. 

Detours will be in place during work, with motorists advised to cross the Murray River via Bringenbrong Bridge to the south or Tintaldra Bridge to the north, adding about 20 minutes to journeys. 

Transport for NSW is also working with the community on ways to best celebrate the historical significance of the old bridge which served the area since 1938. 

Find more information on the Towong Bridge project.