🌉 Historic Nowra Bridge to Become Pedestrian Path

The iconic, heritage-listed Nowra Bridge, a true gateway to the South Coast, is set to begin its transformation into a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pathway. Work is scheduled to commence on Monday, November 11, 2024, breathing new life into the 143-year-old structure.

Opened in 1881, the historic Nowra Bridge is a rare example of a pin-jointed Whipple truss bridge and holds significant local and state heritage value. It was retired from road traffic use in February 2023, following the opening of the new four-lane Nowra Bridge, which now carries Princes Highway traffic efficiently over the Shoalhaven River.

Transport for NSW has confirmed that the repair and repurposing of the historic bridge will be conducted in four stages, with the entire program expected to take approximately two to three years to complete, subject to weather conditions. The first stage is anticipated to last around six months.

What the Community Can Expect

• Work will primarily occur during standard hours: 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
• The bridge will remain fully closed to both road traffic and pedestrians for the duration of the works to ensure public safety. Temporary fencing, signage, and security cameras will be in place to prevent access.
• Street lighting on the historic bridge will be switched off while work is underway.

The decision to repurpose the bridge into a pedestrian and cyclist path stems from extensive community consultation conducted in 2014 and again in late 2021 and early 2022. Feedback clearly indicated a strong desire from Nowra residents and the broader community to retain the bridge due to its historical significance and benefits to the area.

The current $20 million allocation for the repair and repurposing will cover critical repairs to damaged elements, prioritised repainting, removal of the attached cantilevered footpath, improved lighting, and the installation of new features to meet modern safety standards for pedestrian and cyclist use. The historic bridge, approximately six metres wide and 342 metres long, will remain a Transport for NSW asset, with the agency responsible for its ongoing maintenance.

This significant project ensures the preservation of a cherished local landmark, creating a valuable new asset for walking and cycling within the Nowra-Bomaderry area for generations to come.