Residents and road users are advised that Wagga Wagga City Council and a contractor will be undertaking temporary repair work over the coming weeks on Umbango Creek Bridge on Humula Road.
The 90-metre long, steel and concrete bridge, which was originally constructed in the late 1970s by Kyeamba Shire Council, has been showing signs of significant structural compromise.
Council has been working with engineering consultants to determine the extent of the deficiencies and to develop appropriate remediation solutions.
During these investigations, Council has restricted traffic flow to one lane, installed a give-way sign to regulate traffic, and has also reduced the speed limit to 20km per hour.
Temporary works to repair and strengthen the bridge started on and are expected to take four to six weeks to complete, subject to weather and site access requirements.
Director Infrastructure Services Henry Pavitt advised there may be slight delays to traffic during this process.
"The temporary repair work to the headstocks and piers underneath the structure is necessary to ensure the bridge can safely operate and service the community and visitors to the area," Mr Pavitt said.
"Council will endeavour to maintain public access to the road and bridge while this work is being carried out, as we understand the significant role it plays as a key transport route for those travelling between Humula and Tarcutta.
"Once these works are completed, existing traffic restrictions will remain in place as Council will need to continue monitoring the structure to ascertain the effectiveness and durability of the temporary repair structure.
"If the temporary repairs perform as intended, the current single lane restriction will potentially be removed but the speed restriction will probably remain in place."
The bridge consultants are currently developing long-term solutions to refurbish and repair the bridge and return it to full functionality.
This process should be completed towards the end of 2026 and the repair for the entire structure is expected to be undertaken during 2027.
"Council is working to ensure the bridge can be repaired rather than being replaced and to have the bridge return to unrestricted use by the end of next year," Mr Pavitt said.
"Our aim is to provide a strong, safe bridge that will serve the community for decades to come."
Council wishes to thank the residents of Humula and the surrounding properties for their patience and understanding during this long and complex analysis and repair process.
