BARRINGTON Bridge could soon be replaced.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Upper Hunter MP George Souris said the State government had started planning to replace the bridge crossing the Barrington River on Thunderbolts Way.
“Barrington Bridge is one of 22 bridges identified for replacement in the Roads and Maritime Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy developed in consultation with the Heritage Council of NSW,” Mr Souris said.
“Barrington Bridge was identified for replacement in the strategy following community and stakeholder feedback in 2011.
“Replacement of the bridge aims to improve safety and accessibility and reduce the ongoing maintenance costs associated with older timber structures.”
Technical service manager Gil Gendron said the council had been approached by the State government about what to do with the bridge once a replacement is built.
“They’ve included council in the dialogue and they will take in to consideration our suggestions,” mr Gendron said.
“This includes what to do with the old bridge with options including retaining it as say a footbridge (a rather expensive if desirable option), or retaining a span somewhere in a park for posterity, to complete removal.”
The State government is in the early stages of planning and different options are being investigated to deliver the work with the least inconvenience to residents, stakeholders and the community, Mr Souris said.
“Detailed surveys have recently been carried out with planned upcoming activities to include a review of environmental factors, technical investigations and concept designs,” he said.