Tooleybuc Bridge

Transport for NSW has completed the second stage of maintenance work to Tooleybuc Bridge.

This work involved installing steel beams and removing bridge support structures, or Baileys, to further strengthen the crossing.

We appreciate the community’s patience while this work was carried out.

Transport will continue to monitor the bridge to ensure it continues to be safe and functional.

We will keep the community updated about any further maintenance work as it emerges.

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 a major rehabilitation of the current crossing are carried out.

The second stage of essential maintenance to repair and strengthen the bridge, including replacing the Bailey, was carried out in 2024.

Future maintenance work may require some form of full bridge closure; however, we are currently investigating a full rehabilitation of the bridge and minimising impacts on the community.

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

Bridge 'safer and stronger' after essential maintenance

Transport for NSW finished the second stage of an essential maintenance project to repair and strengthen Tooleybuc Bridge in December 2024.

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 a major refurbishment of the bridge.

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

About the project

Transport for NSW has completed stage two of essential maintenance work to Tooleybuc Bridge. This work was carried out to ensure this structure remains safe and continues to serve the community.

Phase one piling and maintenance work was completed in September 2022 before the strengthening of the bridge between August and December 2024.

Is the bridge safe?

Yes, the bridge is safe and serviceable in its current condition. The maintenance carried out in 2022 and 2024 was essential to ensure it continues to function as an important link for communities and freight across the Murray River.

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, visit the Timber Truss Bridges page.

What is the long-term plan for 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 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. This will require a major restoration project funded by the NSW and Victorian governments. While this major overhaul is currently unfunded, planning and development is progressing. As part of this major rehabilitation project, we are investigating the installation of a temporary bridge to limit impacts on the community. In the meantime, the current essential maintenance work is required to keep the bridge functioning.​​​​​

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.

This major rehabilitation project is currently unfunded. Transport and Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning have started planning and development work and are working through funding options.

A new Tooleybuc Bridge has not been taken off the table completely, but it is further down the list of Murray River crossing priorities.

How do we find out more?

​​​​For more information, contact the Tooleybuc Bridge maintenance project team:
Phone: 1300 679 842
Email: murrayrivercrossing@transport.nsw.gov.au
Post: 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.