Charleyong Bridge

Preparation work for demolition of the old timber bridge is set to start in December 2020.

This is the first stage of demolition and will include site establishment, construction of a crane pad and assembly of bridge supports for stability.

Once preparation work is complete, the project team will start demolition in early 2021 which will be carried out by lifting pieces of the old bridge out individually by crane. Demolition is expected to be complete by mid-2021.

The project team is currently in consultation with key stakeholders to finalise the heritage interpretation strategy which will see elements of the old bridge displayed in a local museum and the retainment of the stone bridge abutments.

• increased safety due to wider traffic lanes and improved road approaches
• ability for Higher Mass Limit vehicles to use the bridge
• reduction in expensive and ongoing maintenance costs
• timber from the existing bridge will be treated and recycled for use by industry.

• construction of a new bridge upstream of current bridge location on improved alignment
• construction of about one kilometre of sealed approach roads
• removal of tight unsealed curves
• approach to tie in with Nerriga Road immediately west of Tomboye Road intersection
• removal of the existing bridge.

A number of improvements were made to the design after the Review of Environmental Factors was displayed in July 2016. These changes include the addition of two u-turn bays and new pavement for a longer design life.

Please view or download the revised detailed design.

Transport for NSW will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to further develop the heritage interpretation strategy.

Demolition of the old timber bridge is expected to start in early 2021, following the Macquarie Perch spawning season.

The community will be kept informed as the project progresses.

Transport for NSW investigated various options for the replacement of Charleyong Bridge and has developed a preferred option for the project.

This option was placed on public display, with the accompanying review of environmental factors in mid 2016.

The Charleyong Bridge Submissions Report summarises the issues raised in the exhibition period and provides responses to each topic.

Community feedback was used to refine the design during the concept design and project development periods.

For more information see the review of environmental factors and appendices.

The Charleyong Bridge is a single-span Allan truss timber bridge built in 1901.

The bridge is proposed to be replaced under the Timber Truss Bridge Program as it does not meet current loading standards and has become increasingly expensive to maintain.

Inspections of the existing bridge and road approaches confirmed various structural and functional deficiencies due to the ongoing deterioration of the timber piers and trusses.

The bridge is located on Main Road 92 which is a regionally important link for goods, quarried material and stock between Nowra, Braidwood and Canberra.

Replacement of the bridge would greatly improve regional and local freight route continuity and allow Higher Mass Limit Vehicles to use the road.

The Charleyong Bridge has been considered as part of the Roads and Maritime Services’ Timber Truss Bridge Strategy.

The strategy provides guidelines for the long term management and conservation of the 48 Timber Truss Bridges that we currently manage.

It is not sustainable to retain all 48 bridges given the required operational and safety upgrades for each structure along with high maintenance costs.

The strategy has identified a number of locations, including Charleyong, where a modern structure is required to meet increasing freight loads.

Timber from the Charleyong Bridge will be treated and recycled by a private contractor following demolition.

The Charleyong Bridge is not listed on the State Heritage Register.

• April 2021 community update

  Removal of the old Charleyong Bridge from late May.

• September 2019 community update

  Charleyong Bridge replacement.

• January 2019 community update

  Charleyong Bridge replacement.

• July 2018 project update

  Charleyong Bridge replacement.

• November 2016 submissions report

  Charleyong Bridge.

• July 2016 review of environmental factors report

  Charleyong Bridge Replacement.

• November 2018

  New Charleyong bridge a step closer.

• October 2019

  Protecting the endangered Macquarie Perch.