The $30 million replacement of Marshalls Creek Bridge is continuing to progress, with work on the concrete bridge deck kicking off this weekend.
From Sunday May 31, a large crane will begin lifting 30 of the 10-metre-long prestressed girders, into place to support the bridge deck.
Once the 5.7 tonne bridge girders have been installed, work will move to concreting the bridge deck and widening the Sturt Highway on either side of the bridge.
During the girder installation, the Sturt Highway will be closed to traffic between Kooringal Road and Norton Street from Sunday, May 31 to Monday, June 1, from 9pm and 6am (weather permitting).
During these closures, light vehicles and local traffic will be detoured via Kooringal Road, Copland Street and Sutton Street.
Heavy vehicles will be detoured via Eunony Bridge Road, Byrnes Road, West Bomen Road, Dorset Drive, Bomen Road and Olympic Highway.
Once this stage of work is complete, traffic will be switched to the new northern section of the bridge so work to build the southern section can start.
“We’re widening the Sturt Highway to four lanes, improving safety and easing congestion at a known pinch point for Wagga Wagga motorists,” said Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison.
“This project will deliver a safer, more reliable connection over Marshalls Creek for locals, and support better traffic flow on one of the region’s key freight transport corridors.”
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr. Joe McGirr added, “The installation of the bridge girders is a clear sign of progress, and it means we are getting closer to traffic using the new northern section of the bridge.
“This project will make a real difference for people travelling in and around Wagga Wagga, helping to improve safety and reduce congestion on a busy part of the network.”
Marshalls Creek Bridge is used by about 21,000 vehicles a day. The replacement bridge will be 30 metres long and 25.3 metres wide, including four 3.5-metre-wide traffic lanes and two 2.5-metre-wide shoulders.
The project is due to be completed by mid-2027.