New crossing of the Murray River between Cobram and Barooga

The new crossing of the Murray River between Cobram and Barooga was officially opened on Tuesday 27 June 2006.

Benefits

Benefits of the project:

• Better access for local residents and tourists visiting the region.
• More efficient road network for freight operators using combinations such as B-doubles.
• Safer travel conditions on the new two-lane bridge.
• Retention of the historic existing crossing as a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, after the new bridge is opened to traffic.

Background

The existing Cobram-Barooga Bridge, built in 1902, connects the townships of Cobram (in Victoria) and Barooga (in New South Wales). The crossing is one of 30 structures that provide vehicle and pedestrian access across the Murray River.

The single lane bridge has been under traffic signal control which restricts the ability of the bridge to provide a reasonable level of service to local and regional communities.

A replacement bridge was identified as the preferred option for improving future increased capacity. The new bridge is located directly adjacent to and upstream of the existing bridge with its approaches merging into the existing road at Daintons Bridge in Victoria and Peoples Bridge in NSW. Key features of the project include the construction of a new bridge and 850 metres of new road approaches.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposal was exhibited from 4 September to 4 October 2002. Several modifications were made to the proposal in response to submissions received to the EIS.

These modifications were detailed in a Preferred Activity Report that is available to view or download from the box at the bottom of this page.

A better project – the preferred activity

The proposed modifications included:

• Retaining the existing bridge without the NSW approach spans. Connection to the NSW bank will be provided by a cycle/pedestrian ramp.
• Lowering height of the bridge to be more in line with that of the existing bridge and minimise the number of piers in the main river channel and align them with existing bridge piers.

Having considered the representations received in response to the EIS, the RTA prepared a detailed Representations Report, which included the Preferred Activity Report. This report was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning.

Planning approval

The NSW Minister for Planning gave approval to the new crossing of the Murray River between Cobram and Barooga on 19 October 2004 subject to 45 conditions of approval. These conditions are available for viewing on this site.

Contract awarded

A $9.6 million contract for the design and construction of a new bridge over the Murray River between Cobram and Barooga was awarded to FRH Group Pty Ltd. The new bridge opened to traffic in June 2006.

Old Cobram-Barooga Bridge

Work to provide pedestrian and cycle access on the old Cobram Bridge commenced on 19 October 2009.

The work includes building a stairway for pedestrians, installing bridge barriers, repainting the bridge and repairing the deck. A walking ramp will also be built on the Victorian side to link the bridge with an existing track.

Demolition of the NSW approach spans was completed on 29 October 2009.

Construction activities in November, December and January are currently scheduled to include:

• Construction of a stairway to the NSW side of the bridge.
• Construction of a pedestrian ramp on the Victorian side.
• Bridge timber repair works.

Hours of work are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm (if required). No work will occur on Sundays or public holidays.

At times pedestrian access will be restricted under the bridge on the Victorian side for the safety of pedestrians.

It is anticipated that work will be completed in early 2010.

For further information

Call the Major Projects Info Line on 1800 633 332 or the Project Manager Ragavan Vythilinkam on 131782.
Fax: (02) 6938 1183
Email: Wagga_Wagga_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au