Council to commence bridge replacement works
Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to replace an ageing timber bridge located on Merrigang Street in Bowral as part of a multi-million grant secured from the NSW State Government.
Construction to replace the unnamed bridge spanning Mittagong Creek will begin on Monday 17 October 2022.
Works will include removing and replacing the old timber bridge with a new concrete structure incorporating design elements of the old timber bridge. The existing road approach will also be improved and road levels matched.
Replacement works will be undertaken by Council contractor Brenfi Pty Ltd. Weather permitting works are expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.
Wingecarribee Shire General Manager Lisa Miscamble welcomed the commencement of construction.
“Bridges are a critical component of our local transport infrastructure and help provide connections for locals and visitors,” she said.
The General Manager said the new bridge would require less maintenance than the old timber structure.
“The new bridge will have the benefit of being constructed from modern concrete and steel providing greater resilience and safety during natural disasters such as floods and heavy rain.”
The Merrigang Street bridge is one of four bridges to be replaced under the State Governments Fixing Country Bridges Program from which Council secured $3.5 million in grant funding.
Other timber bridges currently being replaced include structures on Belmore Falls Road in Wildes Meadow and Diamond Fields Creek in Mittagong.
Ms Miscamble said Council had progressively upgraded its most vulnerable bridges and this latest bridge represented the replacement of one of the Shire’s last timber vehicular bridges.
“Council thanks the State Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith for his support in helping to secure vital State funding,” she said.
During the replacement works Merrigang Street will be temporarily closed immediately near the construction site. A short detour via Holly, Shepherd and Una Streets will be made available during construction.
Residents and motorists are asked to follow the changed traffic conditions and exercise care when travelling through the work zone.
Council apologises for any inconvenience associated with the upgrade works.
For further information on the Merrigang Street bridge replacement works, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Project-Directory or phone Council’s Capital Projects Team on 4868 0888.