Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister has welcomed the announcement by Transport for NSW that the final stage of the Wallendbeen Bridge project is set to begin, with early works starting later this month.
“This announcement is a welcome step forward for the Wallendbeen community and all road users who rely on this vital freight and transport corridor,” Ms Cooke said.
“After years of frustration, ongoing delays, and significant disruption due to detours, we are finally seeing real progress towards opening the long-awaited new bridge to traffic.”
Ms Cooke shared the community’s concerns and has consistently raised issues about the impact of the bridge closure, including safety risks and access challenges.
Residents have been ignored throughout the community engagement process where they wanted pedestrian access and safe passage for horses. TFNSW hierarchy haven’t endeared themselves to the community with the snail’s pace roll-out of the bridge after the rapid deconstruction. It’s clear they want this next bridge to last more than 100 years. Hopefully it’s realised how vital the bridge is to accessing the MIA.
Cooke said, “I’ve been calling for a new Wallendbeen bridge to be constructed from the moment the original bridge failed in early 2021. While it’s taken far too long, I’m relieved to see the road approaches are now the focus, with early works commencing on Monday, 31 March and major construction planned for May, weather permitting.”
The local member must remain upbeat during this process as the bridge collapsed while the coalition was in power and it has now been more than four years and will be lucky to be finished by the end of 2025, especially if winter which is coming and is a wet one.
Cooke said, “As the new bridge has been built to a higher elevation to accommodate future freight needs, raising the road approaches is a critical part of the final stage. Once complete, the community will benefit from a wider, safer and stronger two-lane crossing.”
Local family the Sheridans have been severely impacted with their land compulsory acquired by the NSW Government, shaving part of their main paddock off to accommodate the new approach from the east.
Cooke said, “I want to thank the community again for their patience and perseverance over the years. I’ll continue to pressure the NSW Government and Transport for NSW to deliver this work as quickly and safely as possible so we can see the new bridge finally opened.”
Motorists are reminded that reduced speed limits and minor delays will be in place during construction and are encouraged to stay up to date via Live Traffic and Transport for NSW channels.
All in all, the bridge construction and the way the community has been treated has been atrocious.
The construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, including the approaches and supporting roads, took eight years, from 1923 to 1932, and it officially opened to traffic on March 19, 1932.
• 1923: Construction began on the approaches to the span.
• 1923: Tenders were invited for both a cantilever and an arch bridge.
• 1924: Construction of the bridge itself began.
• 1926: The erection of the steelwork commenced in September.
• 1930: On August 19, the two halves of the arch were joined.
• 1931: The deck was completed in June.
• 1932: The bridge was test loaded in February.
• March 19, 1932: The Sydney Harbour Bridge officially opened to traffic.
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