The $18.6 million project was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and officially opened today by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and State Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman.
The Federal Liberal Nationals Government committed $3.25 million through its nationwide Bridges Renewal Program, with the NSW Liberal Nationals Government committing the remaining $15.4 million.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the opening event was an opportunity to inspect the new concrete bridge and celebrate its completion.
NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the opening celebrations included the unveiling announcement of heritage plaques sharing stories from the local area, mounted on timber salvaged from the original bridge.
“I am delighted to see the bridge open today and thank the community for their patience during the closure of this key route,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new bridge provided a number of benefits, including better heavy vehicle access and reduced maintenance costs and disruption.
“The new bridge features wider lanes, improved road approaches and a new shared path, driving freight efficiencies for regional industry and getting drivers home sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the bridge would improve travel times and access for heavy vehicles.
“The new, wider bridge will speed up trips for heavy vehicles and freight and is a great improvement on the old bridge, which was built in 1902 and was in very poor condition,” Mr Toole said.
The new bridge will be handed over to Goulburn Mulwaree Council to own and maintain.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 