The Sheahan Bridge has been duplicated over the Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai, immediately upstream of the existing crossing.

The $78 million project was officially opened by Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese MP, on Monday 25 May 2009.

The project was funded by the Australian Government.

Background

The Hume Highway is the main freight route between Sydney and Melbourne.  It is also a vital transport link for communities and industries in southern New South Wales.

The existing 1.1 kilometre Sheahan Bridge opened to traffic in March 1977.  It is a steel box girder structure with a single lane in each direction.  Collisions and breakdowns on that bridge have resulted in long traffic delays.

The Federal and New South Wales governments are committed to upgrading the entire length of the Hume Highway to a four lane divided carriageway by 2012.
The duplication of the Sheahan Bridge, which commenced in October 2007, has been an integral part of this program.

The bridge was designed and constructed by Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd

Project features

1.15 kilometre, two lane southbound bridge over the Murrumbidgee River and floodplain. The existing two lane bridge is then used by northbound traffic.
1.5 kilometres of new road approaches connecting with the existing dual carriageway.
Minor adjustments on the Nangus Road (Gundagai to Junee) Road to provide sufficient clearance between the bridge and the road.

Benefits

• Improved road safety by separating opposing traffic flows in a high speed environment.
• Improved traffic efficiency by increasing travel speed and providing consistent road conditions to dual carriageway standards.

Together with the Coolac Bypass, complete dual carriageway on the Hume Highway from Sydney to the Sturt Highway turnoff.

For further information

• Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) South West Regional Office
  Ph: (02) 6938 1111
  Fax: (02) 6938 1109
  Email: Wagga_Wagga_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au