Work started last week on the construction of a long awaited footbridge over Lake Forbes, improving the safety of pedestrians using the Camp Street crossing.
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Forbes Shire Council’s general manager Brian Steffen announced the start of the construction last Friday.
“This project has been planned for some time and we are very excited that construction is commencing,” Mr Steffen said.
The footbridge will be built adjacent to the southern side of the historic Camp Street bridge.
“This significant addition to the historic bridge will improve pedestrian safety and enhance the existing track around Lake Forbes,” Mr Steffen said.
Council identified the need for improved pedestrian access at Camp Street bridge some time ago and has been lobbying relevant authorities since then.
“An appropriate budget allocation was made by council and works are now able to commence,” Mr Steffen said.
The 66 metre bridge has been designed by Orange architects Geolyse and will be built by Cowra firm, Transbridge Group.
Transbridge manager Adrian Mansley said the structure would be built from concrete pile caps and pilons, pre-cambered steel girders and pre-cast concrete decking.
All of the components have been built off site and the bridge will be constructed in the next 12 weeks.
Mr Mansley said 16 piles would be driven into the lake bed, which required Forbes Shire Council to lower water levels recently.
Lights will be installed in 6.5m intervals along the bridge.
Mr Steffen said it is hoped the project will be completed by mid September, however this timetable relied on mostly fine weather for the remaining winter.
He said NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) had provided $150,000 to the project under its Cycleways program.
