19 September 2020

The community is encouraged to have its say on shaping the NSW Government's future plan to replace the Swan Hill Bridge over the Murray River.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said anyone interested in providing feedback on the future of the Swan Hill Bridge was invited to join the upcoming information session and talk to Transport for NSW team members.

"The 124-year-old Swan Hill Bridge is an important bridge for local residents, visitors and the agricultural and freight industries, but it’s time to think to the future and start planning for an upgrade," Mr Toole said.

"We are seeking feedback from the community on the preferred alignment for the future bridge.

"One option is to build a bridge over the Murray River on a new alignment connecting at Curlewis Street. This is Option 9a, which was endorsed as the preferred route option by the NSW and Victorian governments following extensive planning studies and community consultation.

"The alternate option is the McCallum Street Option, which would replace the bridge at its current location; an option which is now possible following a change to the heritage status of the existing bridge.

"Local residents, business owners and road users are encouraged to attend the upcoming online information session to find out more about the project.

"Early concept designs for the future bridge aim to provide a safer and faster crossing connection over the Murray, with more lanes and a dedicated pedestrian and cycle path."

The Swan Hill Bridge was removed from the list of timber truss road bridges to be retained after the NSW Government's statewide review to better understand the structural capabilities and the strengthening methods of various timber bridge types.

As part of the project process, Transport for NSW will work with the community on ways to recognise the bridge's history and importance to the local area.

The community is invited to register for the online information session to be held on Monday, 21 September from 1pm, to speak with the project team and learn more about the proposed upgrade.

For more information and to acess the information sessions visit the project website.

Community feedback will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 16 October. Have your say via the website, by emailing the project team at south.west.projects@transport.nsw.gov.au, or writing to Swan Hill Bridge PO Box 484, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.

Once the feedback period closes, a submissions summary report will be prepared and made publicly available.