The 133-year-old iron lace bridge, connecting Corowa NSW and Wahgunyah in Victoria, requires work to replace and strengthen the piers and sections of the timber approach spans on the NSW side.
Transport for NSW regional director south, Cassandra Ffrench said in preparation for the work starting in September, a large tree needed to be removed from the site.
“This essential maintenance aims to improve the structural lifespan of the bridge and the safety of road users,” Ms Ffrench said.
“Removal of a large gum tree and some surrounding branches is required to allow construction machinery to safely access the site when the bridge work starts in September.”
The tree is a Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, or River Red Gum, which has the widest natural distribution of any eucalypt species and is commonly found along waterways.
Aligning with Transport’s biodiversity offset procedure, new trees will be planted in the area, in consultation with the council and local Landcare.
The bridge upgrade project is expected to start in September and take about six months to complete, weather permitting.
There will be no impact to traffic during the tree removal, however the pedestrian walkway may briefly close for safety reasons.
The bridge rehabilitation project will involve piling, excavation and earthworks, concrete pumping, crane lifts and the use of drilling rigs.
Other essential maintenance will also be carried out at this time.
Transport for NSW will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
For more information, go to Murray River bridges - in planning | Transport for NSW
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