A study into a new bridge over the Murray River at Swan Hill has helped shortlist bridge alignment options and flagged the need for a temporary detour bridge.
Details are outlined in the newly released preferred options report.
Findings from the study, led by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) in collaboration with Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), confirmed the existing Swan Hill Bridge no longer meets the needs of the community and the preferred option to address its poor condition and high maintenance cost is replacing it with a new bridge on the existing alignment.
TfNSW said this presents a unique opportunity in the Murray River Crossings Program as it would be the first time in more than 35 years that either NSW or Victoria have built a new lift span bridge.
TfNSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration South, Cassandra Ffrench, said due to the complexity of this project, including river clearances, geometry, the nearby rail corridor and pedestrian access, a new bridge featuring an opening span is the preferred option.
“A new opening span bridge has not been built in NSW for more than 35 years, meaning the new crossing between Swan Hill and Murray Downs will still be a unique piece of infrastructure while also serving the current and future transport needs of the area,” she said.
“This study has been an important step in the planning for this project and gives us options for a viable way forward with the best interests of the community in mind.”
All options investigated featured two lanes, a dedicated pedestrian shared path, improved freight access and clearance for oversized loads, improved or equal river clearances for river vessels and modern, reliable designs with a modest increase in bridge height.
A temporary bridge is required to allow local detours during work, saving a 66km round trip to the nearest alternate crossing.
The replacement of Swan Hill Bridge has been declared a State Significant Infrastructure project. This requires preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the planning and development process.
TfNSW is at the start of the EIS process and is engaging with contractors to help with the preparation of the concept design of the bridge and the environmental assessment. Related Victorian environment and heritage planning approvals are being developed at the same time.
Council’s Mayor, Cr Stuart King said he acknowledges TfNSW’s work in collaboration with Victoria’s DTP and supports the preferred option of a new bridge on the existing alignment.
“This solution will not only address the current bridge’s condition and high maintenance costs but will also improve safety, freight access, and pedestrian connections for the community,” Cr King said.
“We are pleased to see that the community’s needs are being considered in the planning of this project. A temporary detour bridge is critical to maintaining access for residents, businesses, and emergency services during construction, avoiding long detours and minimising disruption.