Wagga Wagga City Council has welcomed an announcement from the Australian Government of $2,021,880 in funding for the project to replace the Humula Bridge at the intersection of Carabost Road and Eight Mile Road.
The funding is through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which provides funding for projects to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure needs.
Director Infrastructure Services Henry Pavitt described the bridge, which spans Carabost Creek on the western outskirts of Humula, as a vital link on the Humula Eight Mile Road.
"The current Humula Bridge, which is believed to be more than a century old, is a three-span, one-lane timber bridge with steel guardrails on both sides," Mr Pavitt said.
"The latest inspection of the bridge identified some issues with the ageing structure, including deterioration of the timber and deck planking, and damaged guardrails.
"Replacing the Humula Bridge will deliver significant social benefits by addressing those critical safety risks, restoring reliable access along Humula Eight Mile Road, essential for residents, emergency services, school transport, and freight.
"It will also reduce isolation, particularly during floods, and ensure consistent connectivity for daily needs."
The project works will include removal of the current timber bridge, construction of a new two-span, two-lane steel and concrete bridge, and upgrade of the bridge approaches at Eight Mile Road.
Designed to the national standard with a traffic load rating of SM1600, the new bridge will have the ability to carry general traffic, freight vehicles, B-double trucks, emergency services and high productivity freight movements.
"Now we have the funding, we will move forward with the planning for the scope of works and then seek a design and construct solution," Mr Pavitt said.
"We're aware the removal of the existing bridge and construction of the new one will cause inconvenience for residents of Humula and surrounding communities, as the closure of this road results in a 40 to 50-kilometre-long detour.
"Council will work with the contractor to try to minimise the closure time of the existing road and access to Carabost and Eight Mile roads during the construction process."
The estimated date for completion of the new bridge is February 2029 , weather and contractor availability permitting.
The project is funded by the Australian Government ($2,021,880) and Wagga Wagga City Council ($505,470).
