A new bridge on the existing alignment has been identified as the preferred option for replacing the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge, pending further design and environmental assessment.
Planning work to replace the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has taken a step forward, with building a new bridge in the same location identified as the preferred option following detailed investigations.
The Albanese Government has committed $16 million, with the Minns Government contributing $4 million towards planning and investigations to replace the northbound bridge. The replacement would safely accommodate larger, more productive freight vehicles along Australia's busiest road freight corridor while improving safety, reliability and travel efficiency for everyone using the highway.
Investigations found replacing the bridge on its existing alignment provides the best overall outcome balancing freight efficiency, construction impacts as well as environmental and community considerations. It also addresses the maintenance challenges associated with the ageing northbound bridge.
Built in 1977, the northbound Sheahan Bridge was designed and built to the standards of the time and cannot accommodate larger freight vehicles. By comparison, the southbound bridge, which opened in 2009, was built to modern standards and can accommodate these vehicles.
Allowing larger, more productive freight vehicles such as A-doubles and B-triples to use both bridges would mean more freight could be moved with fewer trucks, improved freight efficiency and traffic flow, and more reliable journeys for all road users.
A range of options were assessed by Transport for NSW to determine the safest, most efficient and best value long-term solution
Transport for NSW will now progress the concept design and environmental assessment, with the community invited to have their say in mid-2027.
More information about the preferred option can be found at Transport for NSW Sheahan Bridge Upgrade
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
"The Hume is the busiest freight corridor in the country, and it is essential it remains safe and reliable so we can keep goods moving.
"An upgraded bridge over the Murrumbidgee River will be able to accommodate longer trucks, as they move goods from Sydney and Canberra, down to Melbourne and onwards to Adelaide".
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"The Sheahan Bridge has served motorists for decades, and it's time to plan for its next chapter so it continues to support the people that rely on it.
"Having a long-term plan for the northbound bridge is a crucial investment in the future of one of NSW's busiest transport links, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of motorists for generations to come.
"This preferred option is about making sure the Sheahan Bridge remains a reliable gateway on the Hume Highway, supporting regional communities, strengthening freight, and improving the overall experience for motorists."
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence:
"Delivering a new Sheahan Bridge is a sensible next step to better support larger freight vehicles on the Hume Highway.
"This new build, made alongside the Albanese Federal Government, would reduce the number of freight vehicles on this crucial link, while maintaining freight capacity to Sydney from the NSW southwest."
