20 July 2018

Another week to complete Tharwa Bridge maintenance but open today as weather halts work

| Ian Bushnell
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The historic Tharwa Bridge. Photo: Supplied.

Bad weather has forced the postponement of maintenance works on the historic Tharwa Bridge, which will now remain open today and over the weekend but will be closed all next week.

The ACT Government said in a statement that work to improve the safety on the bridge began this week but additional works had been identified and an extra week was needed to complete the project.

It said the maintenance works included tightening the bridge’s decking and trusses, as weather conditions over the past year may have caused them to contract or expand.

The bridge will be closed from Monday 23 July until Friday 27 July 2018 between the hours of 9 am and 3:30 pm, weather permitting.

Tharwa Drive will be closed between the entrance to Lanyon Historic Homestead and the intersection with North Street / Naas Road in Tharwa from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 am and 3:30 pm.

During the closure a detour will be in place via Tidbinbilla Road and Point Hut Road, and motorists are advised to plan their trip, follow the signs and allow an additional 20 minutes journey time.

Barriers as well as warning and diversion signs will be erected to alert people to the closure.

The statement said the works were part of the ACT Government’s commitment to maintain the significant heritage value of the Tharwa Bridge, which has provided a vital link across the Murrumbidgee River for over 120 years.

Major restoration works were completed on the bridge in 2011 following calls from the community to conserve the bridge and its historic design. Due to its design and timber construction, the Tharwa Bridge requires regular inspections and maintenance works are conducted as required.

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