Construction of new permanent bridge in Wallendbeen NSW a step closer

Construction on a new road over rail bridge at Wallendbeen, New South Wales will soon commence following the award of the construction contract to Abergeldie Pty Ltd. 

The new crossing – also known as the Burley Griffin Way Bridge – will replace the temporary single-lane steel bridge, permanently restoring access for both motorists and pedestrians safely and quickly. 

“We know how important this corridor is to locals and freight operators, which is why we built a temporary bridge last October when the existing bridge was damaged in bad weather. 

“This contract award moves us a step closer to delivering the new permanent two-lane crossing, which will improve travel times between the Hume Highway and the Riverina, the Olympic and Newell highways. 

“We are aware of the community’s concerns regarding pedestrian access, and we’ll continue investigating options and consulting with locals while we get on with the job of replacing the current temporary bridge,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said. 

In addition, active transport options will continue to be explored for the project. 

Site establishment will commence this month and major construction activities are due to begin in early 2023. 

“I know there has been strong representation from the community about pedestrian link and I want to reassure locals, options for a pedestrian link will continue to be explored and put in place following construction of the bridge. 

“This temporary structure has served us well, but it is time to get on with constructing the new bridge and ensuring better access for all motorists. 

“I look forward to seeing the new bridge constructed and I will keep the community updated as we progress with options for pedestrian access,” Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said. 

New bridge design (source: Transport for NSW)

Features of the new concrete girder bridge will include a 30-metre-long bridge deck with better approaches as well as wider lanes that will open a more efficient freight route for the region. 

All operations and maintenance on the Country Regional Network in New South Wales are being managed by UGL Regional Linx who will be working with subcontractor Abergeldie to construct the new bridge. 

Weather permitting, construction of the new bridge will be carried out between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday as well as between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays. Works could also be undertaken over 24-hour periods when no trains are running during scheduled Australian Rail Track Corporation shutdown, which the community is going to be informed prior to this happening. 

Additional noise and intermittent traffic stoppages on site will also be observed during the construction stage along with extra vehicle and machinery movements in the area. 

The current temporary bridge will be in use for the duration of the new permanent bridge’s construction to limit traffic impacts. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine