26 July 2020

The new Camp Street Bridge will officially open to traffic tomorrow, delivering a wider, safer and more efficient crossing of Lake Forbes for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new bridge had replaced the 93-year-old old bridge, and would serve as a new link in the centre of Forbes, for locals, visitors and the freight industry.

“The new bridge will deliver a safer crossing of Lake Forbes through two wider lanes each way, improved road approaches and dedicated pedestrian and cyclist paths,” Mr Toole said.

“The old Camp Street Bridge was built in 1927 and has a rich legacy and significance for the Forbes community, which is why we designed a new bridge that will deliver the infrastructure Forbes needs, in a way that honours the history of Forbes.

“About 50 people worked on the construction of the bridge, and it’s amazing to see their hard work come to fruition and benefit the entire community.”

Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said elements of the old bridge had been incorporated into the design of the new bridge to complement the town’s heritage aesthetics.

“It’s the simple touches, like historic lamp posts on the bridge approaches that provide a reference to the past, with a modern twist. This bridge has a story to tell and a heritage area has been established so the community and visitors can learn about the history of Camp Street Bridge,” Mr Farraway said.

“This community has been right behind the project from the start, it is great to see the works complete and I’m sure many members of the local community will be excited to walk and drive across, this significant piece of local infrastructure.”

The NSW Government provided $12.8 million for the Camp Street Bridge replacement project, with work starting in late August 2019.

More than 2000 tonnes of concrete and 221 tonnes of steel were required to build the new 70-metre-long Camp Street Bridge, which was built from 133 precast concrete planks.

For more information on the project visit Camp Street Bridge replacement.