Work will start next week to build a temporary crossing to replace the demolished road over rail bridge at Wallendbeen, saving drivers a 40-minute detour.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the replacement crossing of the rail corridor along Burley Griffin Way at Wallendbeen was required after the overbridge was damaged by heavy rain in March and needed to be demolished.
“We are conscious of how much extra travel time is required to divert around this gap in our road network and have been working hard on both short and long-term solutions to help the freight industry and ensure locals are able to reduce their time spent on the road,” Ms Cooke said.
“As someone who is constantly on our local roads I know how much of an inconvenience this has been and I thank everyone for their patience.”
“Work is about to get underway on a temporary single-lane, pre-fabricated structure that will allow us to re-open traffic over this section of the Burley Griffin Way and cut out the need for a 40 minute detour.”
“This replacement structure is comprised of pre-fabricated parts and will be installed on site, over a period of about three months – a fraction of the time it would take to build a permanent crossing.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said Transport for NSW was also progressing the designing and planning work for a new, permanent structure that will meet better the needs of locals and the freight sector.
“We want the local community to rest assured that this process is under way and we will be keeping all stakeholders updated on progress,” Mr Toole said.
“We thank the community for its patience so far, and while this temporary bridge is installed.”
Work will take three months, with the bridge expected to be open to traffic in September.
Construction will be carried out from Monday between 6.30am and 5.30pm weekdays.
Burley Griffin Way will remain closed at the railway line and motorists should continue to use the detour via the Olympic Highway and Goldfields Way.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, plan ahead, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App and visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701
