The long awaited permanent Wallendbeen bridge.
The finish line is in sight for the new Wallendbeen Bridge, with traffic expected to switch onto the new bridge in the coming weeks.
Burley Griffin Way is a key route on the local road network, linking the Hume Highway to the Riverina and the Olympic and Newell highways. The new bridge will return a two-lane crossing to motorists, improving safety and travel times on this important freight corridor. It is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure regional communities are supported with critical road infrastructure.
The traffic switch to the new bridge from Thursday 11 September will allow for the removal of the temporary bridge so work on the final stage of the connecting road approaches can be completed.
The temporary 210-piece modular bridge, assembled like a giant Meccano set to serve traffic needs since 2021 when the original bridge was destroyed by a severe weather event, is expected to be carefully removed by crane during the rail shut-down period from Saturday 13 to Monday 15 September.
The temporary bridge will then be disassembled and stored for future use elsewhere in the state.
There will be no access to Silo Road during the temporary bridge removal and, once this work is completed, Transport for NSW will construct the new road alignment to this interection.
Following the traffic switch, a 40 km/h speed limit will be in place over the new bridge while remaining road work is carried out. Traffic management will continue while we complete road surface work on Burley Griffin Way and Silo Road, barriers, line marking, signage and road furniture.
Work is on track to complete this project towards the end of 2025. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said, “This is a very exciting milestone for a long-awaited project that will deliver a new permanent bridge that is more resilient and better able to withstand future weather events, ensuring communities stay connected and remain protected on our roads.
“The new bridge will not only return a two-way crossing on Burley Griffin Way at Wallendbeen but stands three metres higher than its predecessor to accommodate future double-stacked container trains.
“Designed to Australian Standards, the bridge is wider than both the original and temporary bridge, able to accommodate B-Doubles and even larger trucks.
“I understand this project has presented major challenges for this community, and I’d like to acknowledge the patience they’ve shown as we’ve worked to deliver this new bridge. I’d also like to thank local MP Steph Cooke, who has been an energetic advocate for the project.
“Having the first vehicles cross the new bridge is not the only good news. Rehabilitation work on the site will include the planting of 420 native trees, featuring various eucalypt and wattle species, including the iconic Cootamundra Wattle, to replace about 70 trees and shrubs removed during construction.”
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said, “I understand the community frustration at the time it has taken to reach this milestone, with quite a few challenges overcome along the way, and are grateful for the ongoing patience as we look forward to the long-term benefits of this project being realised.
“This new bridge is more than just an important piece of infrastructure, it’s a vital connection for the people of Wallendbeen and surrounds. Local families, farmers and businesses rely on Burley Griffin Way every day, and I know the return of a permanent, two-way crossing will bring real relief. It’s been a long journey, but this investment will serve our community for generations to come.”
Labor Duty MLC for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence said, “This is a significant step forward for the Wallendbeen community and for everyone who travels along Burley Griffin Way. The new bridge will mean safer, faster and more reliable journeys for locals, freight operators and visitors alike.”
“Regional communities deserve infrastructure that is modern, resilient and fit for the future.“Importantly, this bridge has been designed to withstand future weather events, keeping communities connected when they need it most. It will stand as a permanent reminder of how vital it is to invest in strong and reliable transport links for the bush.”
