Sunnyside Bridge Tenterfield

The consultation period on the Sunnyside Bridge Heritage Interpretation project was from 3 June – 2 July 2025.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation. Your input has been invaluable, and our team is currently considering all feedback received.

Transport for NSW will inform the community on the outcome of the consultation in the coming months by providing a community Consultation Outcomes Report.

To receive updates on this project, please register for our mailing list on this page.

The Sunnyside rail bridge (bridge) is located between Armidale and Tenterfield on the former Main Northern Railway line, 12km north of Tenterfield, NSW. 

The bridge is a non-operational, state heritage-listed timber Queen Post Truss viaduct which crosses Tenterfield Creek.

The bridge consists of six queen post, timber under truss spans with a timber single track ballast deck top, and brick pier walls. 

Exposure to environmental elements has led to the deterioration of the timber bridge components, which now pose a risk to public safety. 

In December 2024, Transport and our maintenance partner, UGL Regional Linx, became aware of a partial collapse of Span 4 of the bridge over Tenterfield Creek. 

Following the partial collapse, Transport undertook assessments of the bridge which indicated that although certain structural elements remained intact, the structure was at a high risk of collapse.

Safety works were immediately planned in December 2024, which resulted in the installation of fencing, signage and security cameras.

Transport is currently undertaking further assessments and working with Heritage NSW and the EPA to determine next steps.

While no decision has been made on the future of Sunnyside Bridge, Transport plans to develop a heritage interpretation strategy which:

• identifies and highlights the heritage significance of the bridge; and
• captures community aspirations, values and opportunities for the bridge. 

Transport consulted with stakeholders and the community from 3 June – 2 July 2025. 

For more information on the heritage interpretation consultation, please scroll to the ‘Community consultation’ section.

Our next steps for this project include:

• complete archival recording
• prepare Statement of Heritage Impact (SOHI)
• undertake engineering assessments
• consult community and stakeholders on heritage interpretation strategy
• determine next steps

Transport is committed to keeping the community and stakeholders informed of project progress and the consultation process. We will do this using a variety of communication channels such as email, community notifications, social media, and our project website.

Transport will also hold community information sessions from time to time, either face to face in the local area or online. We will notify the community about these events ahead of time. Transport will also work directly with key stakeholders until the matter is resolved.

Consultation closed

The consultation period on the Sunnyside Bridge Heritage Interpretation Project closed on Wednesday 2 July 2025.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation. Your input has been invaluable.

Our team is currently reviewing all feedback received. Transport for NSW will prepare a Consultation Outcomes Report to share the results of this consultation and keep the community informed.

If you have any questions related to this project, please contact us on 1800 491 566 or email CRNNon-operationalbridges@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Meet the team

We encourage the community to attend one of our community information sessions to find out more about the project, meet the team or complete the survey.

Details:

Date and Time: Thursday, 19 June 2025.
Session 1: 12pm – 2pm
Session 2: 5pm – 7pm
Location: Coles Supermarket, Henry Parkes Plaza, corner of Rouse St and Miles St, Tenterfield

We will share relevant reports as they become available.

We will share relevant presentations as they become available.