Work to build the new Towong Bridge across the Murray River between Bringenbrong in New South Wales and Towong in Victoria will start early next year, following the release of the community feedback report.
Towong Bridge is a timber beam bridge, built in 1938 and crossing the Murray River between Bringenbrong and Towong.
Planning is underway to remove the current bridge and replace it with a new, 11-metre wide, 58-metre long concrete bridge, incorporating two traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway.
The works will aim to deliver a safer, smoother road network for the local cross border community and be able to withstand current and future traffic loads while requiring less ongoing maintenance.
Work on Towong Bridge will be carried out in two parts, with the removal of the existing timber bridge to start in March 2022, followed by the construction of the new bridge, which is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Community feedback emphasised the importance of retaining the bridge’s historical significance, while also delivering a safe crossing for motorists. During the project’s consultation period, 21 submissions were received.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the project will be a game changer.
“The new bridge will benefit local communities, freight and the agricultural industry for years to come by providing safer and more reliable journeys,” Symes said.
“It will also be capable of carrying more traffic and will better withstand events like floods and bushfires, easing the burden of maintenance for locals.”
State Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the new bridge would better connect communities with each other, as well as locals to job opportunities and vital services.
“The new bridge is vital for increased freight lines between southern NSW and northern Victoria, connecting the region and allowing better access to markets for the local agricultural industry,” Clancy said.
Due to COVID restrictions, the Review of Environmental Factors was publicly displayed online from 30 August to 24 September, with printed and electronic copies also available on request.
To view the submission report, click here.
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