Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is planning major maintenance work on the Gostwyck Bridge on Dungog Road, Paterson.

Major maintenance work now will reduce ongoing costs for the community. We also expect this work will result in fewer bridge planned closures for the next ten years.

Completion of the Gostwyck Bridge maintenance is scheduled for early 2013, weather permitting.

What happens next?

RMS has installed a temporary support bridge on the Vacy Bridge to provide additional strengthening for this crossing on the detour route.

The first stage of the maintenance works will include replacing the timber approach spans on the bridge.
The second stage will involve repairs to the steel truss followed by a full repaint of the steel truss bridge.

Background

The Gostwyck bridge, completed in 1928, has heritage significance and is a representative example of a steel Pratt truss. It is a high-level structure over the Paterson River.

Gostwyck Bridge has contributed significantly to the social and commercial development of Dungog.

Consultation

A letter outlining the scheduled maintenance program and expected traffic impacts was distributed to local residents and businesses in December 2011 for feedback.

Roads and Maritime Services will provide information to the community with as much prior notice as possible, through:

• Letterbox drops to residents and businesses.
• Roadside signage. Variable message signs will be placed to alert road users.
• Advertising.
• Traffic alerts to local media.
• Web updates on the Live Traffic NSW website.