Orange Grove road residents will have some improvement to access with Gunnedah Shire Council implementing temporary pedestrian access across the closed Orange Grove Bridge.
Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the bridge had been closed to traffic since January after vandals set fire to its timber foundations, and it would remain closed until a new bridge was built.
“We have been able to open the bridge for safe pedestrian access as a temporary solution for the people who live surrounding the bridge to make it easier for residents, including children who need to get the school bus,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution as pedestrian access will not be possible after the remainder of the bridge is demolished towards the end of April.
“We understand the community’s frustration, with residents who live on the road needing this bridge for school bus access, work commitments, operating their business and the list goes on. Council’s Infrastructure Services team have tried hard to improve access and have attempted varying ways to find a solution to reopen this bridge however unfortunately the extend of the damage is too great and the bridge is unsafe for motorists.
“Community members have also asked us if it is possible to open part of the bridge to traffic. While it is difficult to see the extent of the damage if you are looking at the concrete layer that lies across the top of the timber structure, the fire has burnt supporting girders that are critical to the structural integrity of this bridge.
“The bridge was built in 1929 and due to its age and design, the damage means no part of the structure is safe enough to take the weight of a vehicle. If it was opened, it could operate without incident for some time, but it could also collapse. We can’t open it if we cannot ensure the safety of motorists.
“This is a major inconvenience for people along Orange Grove Road, but unfortunately, it is unavoidable.”
In March 2021, Council announced it had been allocated funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge at a cost of about $1.2 million. The remainder will be met by Gunnedah Shire Council.
Where the bridge is located in close proximity to Lake Keepit means that construction timetable is determined by the variable river flow for irrigation and other purposes.
Construction for the new bridge is due to start before May this year, work is unable to start earlier due to unpredictable Namoi River levels and water allocations in the first part of the year. The bridge replacement is expected to be completed in mid-2022.
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