Mulwala Bridge work finishes ahead of schedule
18 August 2021
Essential maintenance work on the Mulwala Bridge to deliver safer journeys for motorists crossing the Murray River has finished a month ahead of schedule.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said crews had worked around the clock to carry out the $3.45 million maintenance work to repair a damaged steel support structure, upgrade the barrier rail and pedestrian footpath, and resurface the road on the Mulwala side approach.
“Mulwala Bridge has been a vital transport link between the twin towns of Mulwala in NSW and Yarrawonga in Victoria since it was built in 1924,” Mr Toole said.
“Not only has this essential maintenance work improved safety for motorists and pedestrians, but it will also reduce the need for ongoing maintenance of the bridge and minimise the need for further disruptions for road users.
“Crews of up to 20 people worked overnight and on weekends to deliver this maintenance work with minimal disruption to the 11,000 motorists who use the bridge daily.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the completion of the maintenance work comes as the feedback period closed for community consultation on the proposed new bridge alignment to link Mulwala to Yarrawonga.
“In June both governments called for community feedback to help us progress planning for a new bridge, which will not only create a more accessible crossing of Lake Mulwala for freight operators, but will also eliminate ongoing maintenance costs of the old bridge,” Ms Allan said.
“We’re very thankful to the community for their feedback to help drive plans for the new bridge that will help improve congestion and safety issues associated with heavy vehicles using Belmore Street through the Yarrawonga CBD.
“All comments are currently being reviewed and the consultation summary report is in the early stages of being prepared, which will be released to the public in the coming months.”
Mulwala Bridge is currently open for freight operators and residents living in the NSW-Victoria border bubble, who can cross the border without a permit for essential reasons only.
A police checkpoint has been set up on the Yarrawonga side of the bridge.
For more information, please go to: nswroads.work/mulwalabridge