The long-standing 70-plus year old Charles Street Bridge in Rydal, New South Wales is being rebuilt. The old wooden bridge is being replaced by a new concrete one to allow heavier vehicles to cross over it.
While the bridge predominantly connects properties to the west of the bridge to the rest of the surrounding community, it will also allow greater access for local heavy vehicles and passing freight traffic.
Local construction company Central Industries has been awarded the contract both for the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge.
The project forms a part of the NSW government’s Fixing Country Bridges program. It says the program was established to identify similar wooden bridges across the state that are nearing the end of their useful life and rebuilding them.
Lithgow City mayor Maree Statham says that this will not only greatly improve the safety of motorists in the area, but also their driving experience.
“The replacement of outdated wooden bridges will dramatically improve the driving experience of the residents who live in our villages and open up new opportunities for visitors using our roads to explore the Seven Valleys region,” she says.
Works are set to commence on the Charles Street Bridge in June, with the new bridge expected to be open in late 2024.
A temporary bridge will serve as a detour, and will be weight rated up to 15 tonnes. If you are driving a heavier vehicle, please seek a detour around Rydal.