Wallaga Lake Bridge has temporarily reopened for a short time. Photo: Transport for NSW.
Wallaga Lake Bridge has reopened for six weeks, ahead of the next stage of maintenance works.
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 was closed earlier this year as essential maintenance works began.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said community members were thanked for their ongoing patience.
“The recent closure has allowed crews to carry out important work to drive new piles into the bridge abutments, reinforce piles with a new jacket strengthening system and install scour protection at the bridge abutments,” the spokesperson said.
The bridge temporarily reopened on Monday (27 May), under a stop/slow traffic arrangement.
Traffic lights are in place and the speed limit has been reduced to 40 km/h.
Motorists are advised to drive to conditions, allow an additional five minutes travel time, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
“Over the next six weeks the team will be busy taking delivery of the new timbers, managing microbats and installing the pontoon scaffolding to allow pedestrian access during the second bridge closure period,” the spokesperson said.
Work will be carried out from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 8 am to 1 pm on Sundays.
The bridge will then close again on 8 July, as maintenance work continues, before reopening again on 29 July while finishing work is completed.
“We would like to remind community members the free temporary buses will not be operating while the bridge is open,” the spokesperson said.
“The extra buses will return to service for the second closure, which is expected to start on Monday 8 July for three weeks.”
A reduced load limit of 22.5 tonnes is in place for the protection of the bridge.
All road users travelling with wide loads are advised to detour via Cobargo using Wallaga Lake Road, Bermagui Road and the Princes Highway while the work is being carried out.
According to Transport for NSW, the repairs include replacing and strengthening the girders and piles, repairing the bridge deck and upgrading abutments to ensure its structural stability.
Further information on the Wallaga Lake Bridge project can be found on Transport for NSW’s website.
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