Wallaga Lake Bridge is set for further upkeep. Photo: Transport for NSW.
Despite major maintenance work over two years, Wallaga Lake Bridge is again facing upkeep.
The historic bridge, which dates back to the 1890s, is on Wallaga Lake Road between Bermagui and Tilba on the NSW South Coast, and is a route used by many locals and other motorists.
It underwent a major overhaul in 2024 and 2025, with pieces of historic timber given a new life as part of the Bega National Circularity Centre.
But in its latest community newsletter, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) warned further works were on the cards.
“Following major maintenance completed in 2024 and 2025, we have continued to monitor the timber structure as part of our asset management program,” it said.
“Recent inspections identified deterioration in six cross beams, and planning has started for their replacement.”
The discovery means that the approach speed limit will drop from 60 km/h to 20 km/h, and line marking will be installed on the bridge deck.
TfNSW executive director Brendon James said the deterioration was found during scheduled maintenance.
“As with any significant piece of infrastructure, ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure the bridge remains safe, serviceable and resilient into the future,” he said.
“Rather than waiting for conditions to worsen, smaller, targeted actions are being taken now to get on top of the work early and to avoid the need for a lengthy closure, and minimise impacts on the community.”
Asked for further details by Region, a TfNSW spokesperson said the detections were made during routine monitoring of the bridge.
They said the previous assessments (carried out before and during the 2024 and 2025 works) had concluded the beams were in a “serviceable and safe” condition.
“Recent assessments have since identified deterioration in six beams that was either not evident previously or has progressed since those earlier inspections.”
The TfNSW spokesperson did not explicitly address questions about how long the changed speed limit will be in place or a timeline for the replacement works.
But they confirmed the bridge remained safe to use.
“Although the identified beam deterioration does not pose an immediate safety risk, it does require careful management as we plan for replacement work,” they said.
“Reducing vehicle speeds helps reduce stress and vibration on the structure, adding an extra layer of safety and aiding in the preservation of the bridge while detailed planning is completed.”
The existing 22.5-tonne load limit will remain in place.
The spokesperson also said a priority was keeping the bridge open during future works, though this was expected to come with reduced speed and load limits.
“We will continue to use the feedback received during extensive community consultation in 2024 to develop the best approach and timeline for work, with a commitment to minimise the impacts on the community as much as possible,” they said.
During a previous four-week bridge closure in 2024, several Bermagui businesses reported their turnover had dropped.
Motorists are being urged to drive according to the conditions and follow the directions of any traffic control measures and signage.
