Simon Corbell has re-opened Tharwa Bridge [Est 1895]:
“This is a significant milestone for the restoration project of this historic bridge, and I am pleased that traffic will now be able to use the main connection between Tuggeranong and the Tharwa community,” Mr Corbell said.
“Stage three works has been underway for the last two years and has involved removal of the old bridge deck and barrier railings as well as installation of new cross girders and sway braces to the permanent trusses.
“In May, the new 108 metre long and 100 tonne timber deck was installed and has now been tied into the rest of the bridge structure. This work required the bridge to be closed to traffic for 14 weeks since mid-March 2011.”
A total of $26 million has been allocated to the project with $14.7 million provided by the ACT Government and $11.3 million provided by the Federal Government through the Roads to Recovery program. The work has been undertaken by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority who are highly experienced in the conservation and maintenance of old timber bridges.