Installation of Batemans Bay Bridge pontoon will result in traffic changes

Pontoon piles in place near the Batemans Bay Bridge. Photo: Supplied.

The Batemans Bay Bridge replacement progresses as work commences to install an L-shaped pontoon that will increase berthing capacity and access to the town for various vessels.

The process will result in traffic changes on the town’s Clyde Street from 26 April to 14 May, including intermittent lane closures with stop/slow traffic conditions.

Work will be carried out between 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 1 pm Saturday.

Transport for NSW said the work would include using a large crane alternating between locations on Clyde Street – an off-street carpark near the T-Wharf and the west boat ramp.

A section of the off-street car park will close during some of the work, but there is parking along Clyde Street. The west boat ramp will be closed for most of the work.

Transport also advised river users to be aware of the pontoon’s movements between the west boat ramp and its final location downstream of the T-Wharf.

Removal of the old bridge as part of the $274 million project was finished in November 2021 and the overall project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

In March, a Transport spokesperson said works to Batemans Bay’s northern and southern foreshores were progressing well with facilities planned to gradually open from mid-2022.

“When complete, locals and tourists will be able to enjoy better connectivity within the foreshore area, improved access to the river as well as community-friendly facilities and spaces that celebrate the local Aboriginal culture,” the spokesperson said.

“Locals can already enjoy two completed public art murals inspired by stories of Bhundoo (Clyde River), which feature local flora and fauna sacred to the Walbunia people.”

The spokesperson said it was expected a new playground would open in April and a sculpture on the southern foreshore made of steel from the old Batemans Bay Bridge would also be unveiled the same month.

Original Article published by Albert McKnight on About Regional.