Kempsey Bridge is now back in “tip-top” condition following more than two years of maintenance work costing $3.6 million, said Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
TfNSW said it’s now confident the 66-year-old bridge on Lord Street can continue to provide vital connections between west and south-east Kempsey and the Pacific Highway for decades to come.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said most of the $3.6 million project involved installing close to 600 brackets under the bridge to strengthen it after fatigue from carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles and millions of tonnes of freight during its decades of service.
“For more than 50 years the Kempsey Bridge carried all Pacific Highway traffic through the town and continues to provide vital links for the communities that live either side of the Macleay River,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s great that this work now complete and to have the reassurance that it will continue to provide reliable service for many, many years.”
To provide additional protection for bridge elements, a waterproof membrane was laid over the entire deck.
New bridge joints have also been installed, and a new asphalt surface has been laid to provide motorists with a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.
The spokesperson said unfavourable weather conditions had delayed the asphalt work, but that is now complete, marking the end of the project.
“We thank the community for its patience while this important work was carried out,” the spokesperson said.
great, it is a section of road worthy of due caution on an otherwise good regional road. We live in Canowindra and use the escort way in preference to cargo road because it is so much safer. Cargo rd is a good 80/90 k rd. but way too many people choose to travel at speeds 100 + kms ,often overtaking in unsafe places. The speed limits on cargo rd are a good setting , in my opinion .The cost of upgrading that rd would not be feasible. More speed patrols if and when resources are available can only help. The change on escort way, in my opinion is a good call. Thank you.