Tooleybuc Bridge

In 2019, the NSW Government's Timber Truss Road Bridges - A Strategic Approach to Conservation was reviewed after considerable work to better understand the structural capabilities of the various timber bridge types and the strengthening methods available.

The review found Tooleybuc Bridge, which had been identified for removal as part of the original strategy in 2012, was one of eight bridges across the state considered to be good examples of its Allan timber truss type with the ability to be upgraded to service the future road network. As a result, the review recommended Tooleybuc Bridge needed to be retained. Transport for NSW is investigating opportunities to strengthen the current bridge to allow trucks carrying heavier loads to cross the river without damaging the structure.

We will contact the community with more information when these investigations are complete.

In 2013, Transport for NSW started early planning work for a new bridge at Tooleybuc.

The yellow option, a high-level bridge (a bridge without a lift span) downstream of the existing bridge, was announced as the preferred option for a future bridge at Tooleybuc.

With the changes to the Timber Truss Road Bridges strategy, planning for a future bridge has been put on hold in the short to medium term as investigations into strengthening the current crossing are carried out.

The first stage of essential maintenance in 2022 to repair and strengthen the bridge was an option which requires Transport to return at a later stage to replace the Bailey.

This work may require some form of full bridge closure in the future, however, we are currently investigating ways to minimise impacts on the community.

We will contact the community with more information as the second stage of the project develops.

Bridge 'safer and stronger' after essential maintenance

Transport for NSW finished the first stage of an essential maintenance project to repair and strengthen Tooleybuc Bridge in September 2022.

The bridge is now a stronger and safer structure and at a standard for General Mass Limits (GML) vehicles. It ensures the structure remains safe and continues to be an important link for communities and freight across the Murray River.

Transport continues to monitor the bridge to ensure it remains safe while planning the replacement of the steel support frame, known as the Bailey.

Transport thanks the community for its patience and understanding while this important work was carried out.

• What is happening?
  Transport for NSW is planning to carry out the second stage of essential maintenance work to Tooleybuc Bridge. We are doing this work to ensure this structure remains safe and continues to serve the community.
• What will work involve?
  Work will include the replacement of the steel support frame, known as the Bailey. Following the call for feedback in June 2022 in the leadup to stage one work, we heard the majority of the community preferred to put the Bailey replacement on hold for about 12 months while we monitor the bridge, unless urgently required. The Bailey work may require some form of full bridge closure in the future however, we are investigating ways to minimise impacts of this work on the community.
• When will work start?
  The project team is planning the second stage of work however no dates are in place for the start of this work. Transport will be in contact with the community to get feedback about various options for this work. Feedback received after speaking with the community will help with our planning and programming. We will keep you updated.    
• Why can’t you build a temporary bridge to allow continued access across the river during future work?
  We acknowledge the community’s calls for a temporary bridge to limit construction impacts. Building a temporary bridge does not happen overnight and requires the same degree of planning and approvals as any other structure, including environmental, geotechnical and heritage. While this is an efficient way to minimise impacts on long-term projects, it can take more than a year to plan and several months to launch the bridge, adding millions of taxpayer dollars to the project cost. This type of bridge is not a quick solution.
• What is the long-term plan for Toolebuc Bridge?
  In 2019, the NSW Government's Timber Truss Road Bridges - A Strategic Approach to Conservation was reviewed after considerable work to better understand the structural capabilities of the various timber bridge types and the strengthening methods available.

  The review found Tooleybuc Bridge, was one of eight bridges across the state considered to be good examples of its Allan timber truss type with the ability to be upgraded to service the future road network. As a result, the review recommended Tooleybuc Bridge should be retained.

  Transport is now investigating opportunities to strengthen the current bridge to allow trucks carrying heavier loads to cross the river without damaging the structure.

• What happened to the plans for the new bridge?
  As detailed in the reviewed Timber Truss Strategy, Tooleybuc Bridge is planned to be retained. Plans for a new bridge were put on hold and focus was shifted to strengthening and restoring the existing bridge to retain its heritage significance while catering for modern traffic requirements.

  Transport is now investigating opportunities to strengthen the current bridge to allow trucks carrying heavier loads to cross the river without damaging the structure.

• What is the heritage status of the bridge?
  Tooleybuc Bridge is State Heritage-listed and will be retained under the 2019 Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy. For more information on the strategy, see Timber truss bridges.
• Is the bridge safe?
  Yes, the bridge is safe and serviceable in its current condition in the short-term. However, future maintenance is essential to ensure it continues to be an important link for communities and freight across the Murray River. Following feedback in 2022 confirming the majority of the community preferred to delay Bailey support structure replacement, a range of monitoring equipment ensures the Bailey remains safe. There is a chance that load limits or emergency work will need to be carried out under a bridge closure if this monitoring equipment shows any signs of stress.
• How will you keep the community updated?
  We will keep the community updated on traffic impacts and work hours through notification letters, social media posts, onsite electronic signage, website and via the media.
• How do we find out more?
  For more information, contact the Tooleybuc Bridge maintenance project team on 1300 679 842, murrayrivercrossing@transport.nsw.gov.au or mail PO Box 484 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.

• May 2016 community update

  Tooleybuc Bridge update.

• October 2015 community update

  Tooleybuc Bridge replacement – preferred option.

• May 2014 community update

  Replacement of Tooleybuc Bridge.

• November 2013 community update

  Replacement of Tooleybuc Bridge.

• September 2015 PEI Main report

  NSW Preliminary Environmental Investigation Report and Victorian Planning Assessment Report.

• Appendix A

  Hydrology report.

• Appendix B

  Noise and vibration report.

• Appendix C

  Socio-economic report.

• Appendix D

  Biodiversity Report.

• Appendix E

  Urban Design Report.

• Appendix F

  Aboriginal Cultural and Heritage Report.

• September 2015 preferred option report

• November 2014 Value Management Workshop Report

• May 2014 main report

  Environmental Constraints Analysis (ECA).

• Appendix A

  Biodiversity Constraints Report.

• Appendix B

  Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Constraints Report.

• Appendix C

  Non Aboriginal Heritage Constraints Report.

• Appendix D

  Contamination Constraints Report.

• Appendix E

  Geotechnical Constraints Report.