A month of works on the historic Iron Bridge is almost complete, with the bridge now open and works to be finished Friday.
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Roads and Maritime Services said the road closures allowed them to carry out the first stage of work to ensure the Iron Bridge can take additional heavy vehicle traffic during the replacement of the Camp Street Bridge.
Work on the Iron Bridge will resume next February, installing traffic lights and reducing the bridge to one-way operation.
The Iron Bridge was built in 1893 and the RMS says overall, it is in good condition.
“The first stage of the two stage process involved maintenance work including truss cleaning and repairs, repairs to the timber walkway and timber kerb replacement, which is currently being carried out and is set to be completed by 14 December,” an RMS spokesperson said.
The second stage of work is expected to start in February next year.
“It will include vegetation removal and tree branch trimming, deck joint replacement, resurfacing of the bridge and installation of traffic signals to improve safety on the bridge,” an RMS spokesperson said.
Heavy vehicle traffic coming in the Eugowra Road to Forbes will be diverted via the Iron Bridge during the replacement of the Camp Street Bridge.
“Work will enhance long term network efficiency and address ongoing safety concerns associated with the narrow lanes by permanently converting the bridge to single lane operation, controlled by permanent traffic lights,” an RMS spokesperson said.
“The single lane operation will also result in a small increase in load limit and will improve overall road safety.”
The RMS started looking at the options for the Camp Street Bridge, built in 1927, mid-20178. The decision was made to replace the bridge.
The final design and the submissions report summarising responses to the Review of Environmental Factors for the Camp Street Bridge replacement project is on display until 24 December.
To find out more about the project go online to http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/western-nsw/forbes-bridge/
There is a virtual flyover of what the new bridge is expected to look like as well as a gallery of artist’s impression images.
