In late 2023, a reduced load limit of 16 tonnes was put in place on this timber truss bridge for safety reasons.
Built in 1910, the historic Scabbing Flat Bridge in Geurie, will gradually open up to heavier vehicles.
Local producers can now apply for a permit to operate increased tonnage vehicles across the bridge, as Transport for NSW (TfNSW) crews continue with bridge safety and strengthening work.
TfNSW Director West Maintenance and Delivery Craig Matthews said the aim was to carry out the necessary work in the shortest possible time.
“Getting this bridge up to standard is one of the major priorities currently for Transport for NSW in the Central West,” Matthews said.
“We are committed to working with the local community for the duration of this essential safety work and will continue to provide the local community with progress updates and new dates for any necessary closures or changed traffic conditions in advance of implementing them.
“We understand the impacts to business operations of the lengthy detour around the bridge and are working to have the bridge up to standard as soon as possible for vehicles up to 42.5 tonnes.
“We are working with local producers to apply identification to each approved heavy vehicle up to 18 tonnes – unloaded – so they can safely use the bridge, with no adverse impact to the structure.”
Strengthening work underway involves the replacement of decaying timber, installing temporary support systems, repairing piers, and replacing cross girders and stringers to provide structural integrity to the bridge.
A Bailey bridging temporary support will be installed in the truss spans from April to assist with the strengthening work. This will reduce the bridge deck width to 3.4 metres and require a 20 km/h speed limit while crossing the bridge for safety reasons.
“Weather and other unforeseen impacts notwithstanding, it will be our aim to get the bridge opened to vehicles weighing up to 42.5 tonnes by mid-October 2025, ahead of the main harvest season, with a 3.4 metre width restriction until the Bailey support has been removed,” Matthews added.
“Under the Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy (2012), Transport for NSW is required to retain and maintain the bridge at Geurie, rather than replace it.
“Transport for NSW will continue to reassess the load limit as work continues and inform the community if there are any changes.
“Ensuring the safety of motorists and workers is our priority and we thank the community for its patience as we continue with this important strengthening work.”
Work will place on weekdays between 7am and 4pm, weather permitting.
Until the end of April, the bridge will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 3pm to allow essential repair work to take place and ensure the load limit is lifted as soon as possible. Further scheduled daytime closures will be communicated by TfNSW.
Motorists should follow the direction of all signs and traffic control, including the current reduced 40 km/h speed limit during work hours, which may affect travel times.
Detour route for heavy vehicles via Wellington:
Vehicles need to detour via Renshaw McGirr Way/ Suntop Road/ Arthurville Road. Motorists should allow for 25 minutes extra travel time.
Detour route for heavy vehicles via Dubbo:
Vehicles need to detour via Obley Road/ Eulandool Road/ Nubingerie Road/ Benolong Road/ Arthurville Road. Motorists should allow for 45 minutes extra travel time.