460 cubic metres of timber and trestles have been salvaged from the removal of the Prince Alfred Bridge timber road viaduct to support construction of heritage memorial works.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a public survey seeking community input on memorial options for the former Gundagai icon had attracted 139 submissions.
“It’s great to see the community’s enthusiasm to contribute many thoughtful and creative ideas to remember the bridge and pay tribute to its many years of faithful service to the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“Thankfully a good amount of timber has been salvaged from the bridge after being assessed in suitable condition for potential reuse in heritage memorial works.
“A heritage consultant will now be engaged to assess the survey results and advise on the most appropriate heritage memorial options to honour the bridge’s memory.”
The Prince Alfred Bridge timber road viaduct was removed after an engineering assessment of the disused 125-year-old structure showed significant structural defects, and amid concerns it could collapse in a flood risking life and infrastructure.
Consultations occurred through a working group including representatives from Crown Lands, Transport for NSW, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Gundagai Bridges Heritage Inc, National Trust, Engineers Australia and the Heritage NSW (Department of Premier and Cabinet).
The separate Prince Alfred iron road bridge, which is still in operation across the Murrumbidgee River, and the nearby disused rail viaduct, both remain in place.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said survey ideas for heritage memorial works ranged from a picnic wharf on the Murrumbidgee River to pedestrian bridges, boardwalk and viewing platforms.
“Other ideas included a sculpture that can be a tourism icon like the Dog on the Tuckerbox, an avenue of trees and walking track, and interactive options including virtual reality or 3D laser displays,” Mrs Pavey said.
“St Patrick’s Primary School students made suggestions including park furniture, a mini replica of the bridge, and even a town Christmas tree.”
Further information on the survey results is at Gundagai Historic Bridges.
