The NSW Government is working to urgently repair the 127-year-old Hampden Bridge in the Kangaroo Valley, with the first round of safety works nearly complete as part of a $500,000 three-point plan outlined to the Kiama and South Coast communities today.
The works follows concerns about the safety of the heritage bridge, which prompted a recent load limit reduction from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.
The Government’s plan to restore the historic bridge, which is under development by Transport for NSW, is:
- Undertake essential maintenance to keep the bridge safe. Night work to replace 12 damaged timber beams along the top of the truss is scheduled to be completed on Thursday 21 August, weather permitting. These repairs will support the continued use of the bridge at its current 23 tonne load limit and reduce the risk of further damage. A more complex program of strengthening work is being planned with another 12 timber beams along the bottom of the trusses to be replaced.
- Investigate the options for a temporary access across Kangaroo River, including a temporary bridge next to the existing bridge, or a detour option with an alternate river crossing. There are various constraints that need to be considered for these options which are currently being worked through.
- Invest $500,000 in planning for a permanent new bridge. Options for a new crossing are being developed by the Minns Government in consultation with the community and Shoalhaven City Council. Early design concepts, cost estimates and initial economic modelling will be part of the investigation process.
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said the community will be updated on the feasibility of crossing options once investigations are completed.
The Minister was briefed by Transport for NSW engineers, who said that urgent night repair works on the bridge this month have proceeded smoothly and will be completed on schedule this week, with another round of major works to be planned and implemented. This work has provided confidence that the bridge can continue safely to remain open at 23 tonnes limit while Transport engineers assess the best way to proceed.
“Delivering a new temporary or permanent bridge is a complex process and won’t happen overnight, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to increase the weight limit,” said Minister Aitchison.
“We understand the impact the current load restrictions have on the freight industry and community. That’s why we are funding investigations for a long-term solution.
“We will present viable options as quickly as possible and I thank heavy vehicle operators and the dairy industry for their patience and ongoing cooperation while investigations are under way.”
The unique heritage bridge is an icon of the Kangaroo Valley which provides critical connectivity across the Kangaroo River for the local community and freight travelling between the Illawarra and South Coast.
