BRIDGE INSPECTION: State member for Orange Andrew Gee, Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, Cabonne Council general manager Andrew Hopkins and Cabonne mayor Ian Gosper. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
LONG AWAITED: Work on the old Nashdale Bridge, which crosses a railway line, has begun. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
IT’S been a long time coming, and now work has begun to build a new bridge to replace the outmoded wooden rail bridge on the Cargo Road, six kilometres west of Orange near Nashdale.
The $1.5 million bridge project is being funded by the NSW government and managed by Cabonne Council.
During an inspection of the site of the bridge construction on Tuesday, Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said Cargo Road users could look forward to a modern, safer bridge in the future.
A Cabonne Council spokesman said the roadworks on the approach to the bridge would be carried out through winter, however as much work as possible on the project is being progressed before winter sets in.
The concrete bridge will have two lanes and will have mesh constructed at the sides to prevent items being thrown on to the railway line below.
“We won’t be able to do any sealing during winter, but we are hoping the bridge will be completed by the time summer starts at the end of the year,” the spokesman said.
Cabonne Council says the roadworks and bridge construction will be clearly signposted, particularly at night, so drivers are aware of changes to traffic conditions.
The bridge has been considered a black spot on the Cargo Road for years with fatalities on the bridge and approaches dating back to the 1960s.
Cabonne mayor Ian Gosper said he was pleased Mr Stoner and member for Orange Andrew Gee had visited the site.
“This major project will significantly enhance the safety of motorists on Cargo Road,” he said.