Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for South Coast Liza Butler at the iconic Nowra Bridge. Photo: Supplied.
After its more than 140 years of service, people are now being asked to reflect on their memories of the Old Nowra Bridge.
The bridge, which spans the Shoalhaven River, opened in 1881 and was retired from road traffic when the new Nowra Bridge opened.
Despite the closure, the landmark is being retained because of its historical significance, heritage value, and community calls for it to remain.
Old Nowra Bridge has been heritage-listed in NSW, and carries a rare pin-jointed Whipple wrought iron truss configuration.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said a planned facelift would create a shared space for visitors and locals, as well as keep a much loved landmark.
“As a kid growing up in Nowra, when you drove over the bridge, you knew you were home,” she said.
“I look forward to hearing interesting stories about the bridge from over the years and urge people to get involved in this project which will preserve the history of the bridge for generations to come.
“Projects like this not only celebrate our heritage but also boost local jobs and tourism opportunities.
It will be transformed into a new pedestrian and cyclist path through an ongoing program of works.
According to a recent project update from Transport for NSW, authorities have been at work repairing the truss structure.
Damaged and corroded elements have been removed for repairs (including 1500 rivets being removed by hand), while other actions have included replacing bracing washers and moving large parts of the walkway with a crane.
Crews will continue work removing the remaining cantilever pedestrian walkway sections later this year in the project’s second stage.
This will include installing scaffolding beneath the bridge, before it is repainted.
Over the next few months, the team will continue repairs, remove or replace utilities and concrete barriers and start procurement for repainting.
NSW Member for South Coast Liza Butler said people could share their memories of the bridge.
“I’m proud that it will continue to have a role in our future, as a safe and accessible space for pedestrians and cyclists,” she said.
“This project is about preserving our history while adapting the bridge for modern needs. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the bridge in a whole new way, as a place to walk, cycle, and reflect on its remarkable story.”
In the first half of next year, stage three is scheduled to start.
This will feature abrasive blasting to remove existing paint over about 18 months.
Parts of the bridge will be wrapped to stop contaminants entering the river, while there will be other environmental controls.
The final stage will involve pier strengthening and the installation of new lighting, handrails, street furniture and other features for its new use.
The work is being carried out with $20 million in funding as part of the Australian and NSW governments’ $364 million Nowra Bridge project.
Local residents are encouraged to share their memories and stories of the historic bridge by emailing [email protected].
Meanwhile, people can find more information on the project on the Transport for NSW website.
