17 OCTOBER 2016

Work has been completed on the first stage of a $1.8 million maintenance project for the Swan Hill Bridge near the Victorian border.

A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said this stage of the project included building a support structure to strengthen the 120-year-old bridge for expected increased loading during the harvest season.

“Regular monitoring identified an increase in usage by motorists and the approaching harvest season meant the bridge needed to be reinforced,” the spokesperson said.

“The maintenance work will ensure the longevity of the bridge by increasing its durability, while the removal of trees has improved visibility for motorists.

“The essential work which included constructing temporary support structures, aims to ensure the durability of the bridge and that it continues to be safe to use over the harvest season, with every effort to minimise impact on motorists during the work.

“At the end of the harvest season, Roads and Maritime will return to start the second stage of maintenance work which will involve building a more permanent support solution which will return the bridge to its normal operating width of 4.3 metres.”

Relevant stakeholders will be contacted regarding future work and road users are thanked for their patience and understanding while the recent work was carried out.
Roads and Maritime, in conjunction with VicRoads, is continuing to develop permanent repair work to keep the bridge in safe operating condition. The bridge will continue to be monitored and maintained in a safe and reliable condition.

For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/south-western/swan-hill-bridge

Media: ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES MEDIA UNIT 8588 5999 or media@rms.nsw.gov.au