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Sheahan Bridge northbound set for needed upgrades

The next step of upgrading the Sheahan Bridge at Gundagai is underway, with a contract awarded to identify the best path forward

The upgrade of the notorious Sheahan Bridge on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has reached its next stage, with the awarding of the contract to provide concept designs and environmental assessment for the potential upgrade or replacement of the northbound bridge.

WSP Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the next stage of the $20 million project, which will crucially open the route for heavy vehicles that may be restricted from using the structure due to its age and other limitations

These limitations also restrict opportunities for contraflow during emergency response or planned maintenance on the southbound bridge.

The load limit was increased from 65 tonnes to 85 tonnes in 2020, but the current northbound bridge was constructed back in 1977, with the southbound duplication opened in 2009.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison says it is important to upgrade the bridge to improve the agility and flexibility of road transport operators using the crucial route.

“The Hume Highway is the major freight corridor from Sydney to Melbourne, the oldest and busiest highway in Australia,” Aitchison says.

“Instead of forcing HPVs to use permits, the NSW and federal Labor governments are working together to deliver a fit for purpose bridge which will reduce red tape for HPV freight operators by enabling them to use this route without having to obtain permits.”

The upgrade planning project will investigate potential solutions which include:

  • Building a replacement bridge on a new alignment upstream (east) or downstream (west) of the existing bridge.
  • Replacing the existing bridge on its current alignment.
  • Strengthening the existing bridge.

Transport for NSW is now working with the contractor to further investigate each alternative and identify a preferred option.

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