The brand new Camp Street bridge has opened to traffic after an 11-month closure for construction.
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At a ceremony on Sunday, July 26, members of the Forbes Shire Council, Transport for NSW, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole officially opened the new bridge.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said this project started in early 2019 when Council staff prepared the site, relocating underground services, overhead power and closing walkways before Transport for NSW arrived to dismantle the old Camp Street Bridge.
"Our work with Transport however started long before this stage with Council providing support and input into the design process. In total we have been working together for four years, in a partnership we are very proud to have," Mayor Miller said.
The new bridge was open to foot traffic on Sunday, with the bridge open to the first vehicles from 11am on Monday, July 27.
NSW Government funded the $12.8 million project to replace the old Camp Street Bridge that was built in 1927 and did not meet the current design standards.
The Bridge has opened a month ahead of schedule.
The new one is wider to allow for wider transport vehicles and contains a pedestrian and cycle path to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Mayor Miller said the landscaping done by the team was simply stunning.
"The ingenuity of staff to complete the complex footpath bridges, pathways and approaches to the main bridge shows the dedication of our staff to not only do a good job but think outside the square and complete a first class project such as this," she said.
"This project has been a dream to work on with Transport for NSW and the management of the process by Pete Hamilton and Kelly Baldwin, has been a dream.
"I would also like to thank the 48 Forbes Shire Council staff member who worked on this project, you really have done a great job," Mayor Miller said.
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Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the old Camp Street Bridge was built in 1927 and has a rich legacy and significance for the Forbes community.
"The new bridge will deliver a safer crossing of Lake Forbes through two wider lanes each way, improved road approaches and dedicated pedestrian and cyclist paths," Mr Toole said.
More than 2000 tonnes of concrete and 221 tonnes of steel were required to build the new 70-metre-long Camp Street Bridge, which also incorporated 4570 pavers, eight lamp posts and 70 LED downlights.
"About 50 people worked on the construction of the bridge, and it's amazing to see their hard work come to fruition and benefit the entire community," Mr Toole said.
