Abbotsford Bridge repair work to commence mid-June

Repair works on the Abbotsford Bridge on the New South Wales -Victoria border are set to commence in mid-June, with the bridge scheduled to be closed to traffic for approximately six weeks.

New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the maintenance on the 92-year-old bridge will complete before harvest season, helping to provide improved infrastructure for visitors crossing the Murray River.

“More than 2800 motorists use Abbotsford Bridge to cross the Murray River between Wentworth and Mildura every day, so we need to ensure we have the infrastructure to cater for this level of activity for many years to come,” Toole said.

“This work will not only ensure the bridge keeps operating safely into the future, it will also provide about 20 local jobs while it’s being carried out.”

The bridge’s deck and mechanical lift span will be repaired, with repair works set to commence in mid-June. Abbotsford Bridge will be closed to all traffic for six weeks to complete the work.

The bridge is scheduled to re-open from early November upon the competition of the lift span, with oversized vessels unable to access the bridge during this time.

Abbotsford Bridge had played an important role as a state border checking point during the COVID-19 pandemic to make travel smoother for the region’s farmers and residents travelling into Victoria.

“This is a crucial crossing point for many fruit and grain producers, so we are letting them know about the upcoming bridge work early, so that they can plan their freight routes as they cross the NSW and Victorian border, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said.

Traffic control and reduced speed limits will be in place during work, including a detour via George Chaffey Bridge in Mildura, which will add about 40 minutes to travel time.

For further updates on the project, please the Live Traffic NSW website.

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