Minns Labor Government pushing ahead with $500,000 plan for Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley

The Minns Labor Government has acted quickly to ensure the bridge is safe for vehicle traffic and is investigating options for temporary or permanent replacement bridges for the longer term.

This follows concerns about the safety of the heritage bridge, which prompted a recent load limit reduction from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.

The $500,000 Hampden Bridge strategy is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to ensure the people of the Kiama area have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities.

This is in stark contrast with the former Government who in twelve years neglected to invest in improvements to Hampden Bridge. The Coalition failed to take significant action after part of the bridge fell on to roadway in 2020. In fact, the last significant bridge works were taken under the previous Labor Government.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison again inspected the bridge with Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney, briefing local farmers and community members on progress.

The Minister was briefed by Transport for NSW engineers, who said that urgent night repair works on the bridge this month have proceeded smoothly and will be completed on schedule this week, with another round of major works to be planned and implemented. This work has provided confidence that the bridge can continue safely to remain open at 23 tonnes limit while Transport engineers assess the best way to proceed.

The Minns Labor Government's three-point plan for urgent restoration of the historic bridge, which is under development by Transport for NSW, is:

1. Undertake essential maintenance to keep the bridge safe. Night work to replace 12 damaged timber beams along the top of the truss is scheduled to be completed on Thursday 21 August, weather permitting. These repairs will support the continued use of the bridge at its current 23 tonne load limit and reduce the risk of further damage. A more complex program of strengthening work is being planned with another 12 timber beams along the bottom of the trusses to be replaced.
2. Investigate the options for a temporary access across Kangaroo River, including a temporary bridge next to the existing bridge, or a detour option with an alternate river crossing. There are various constraints that need to be considered for these options which are currently being worked through.
3. Invest $500,000 in planning for a permanent new bridge. Options for a new crossing are being developed by the Minns Government in consultation with the community and Shoalhaven City Council. Early design concepts, cost estimates and initial economic modelling will be part of the investigation process.

The community will be updated on the feasibility of crossing options once investigations are completed.

The Government is committed to completing this process as quickly as possible.

All investigation work will aim to preserve the heritage value of the existing bridge.

Transport for NSW has worked with freight operators to understand their concerns about long diversions which are creating cost and time impacts for them, particularly in the dairy industry.

The previous Liberal-National Government's maintenance regime was inadequate. It failed to plan a permanent way to protect the increasingly fragile structure from further damage and to maintain access for the community and freight at 42.5 tonnes.

This unique heritage bridge is an icon of the Kangaroo Valley which provides critical connectivity across the Kangaroo River for the local community and freight travelling between the Illawarra and South Coast.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

"Labor is getting on with the job, after more than decade of Liberal-National inaction, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Kangaroo Valley and Kiama deserve.

"The Liberals and Nationals failed to fund proper planning to ensure a safe, efficient crossing for local motorists and businesses.

"The Minns Labor Government has heard directly from the community and is investing $500,000 to provide short, medium and permanent solutions to ensure heavy freight can cross the Kangaroo River, including a new bridge.

"Delivering a new temporary or permanent bridge is a complex process and won't happen overnight, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to increase the weight limit.

"We understand the impact the current load restrictions have on the freight industry and community. That's why we are funding investigations for a long-term solution.

"We will present viable options as quickly as possible and I thank heavy vehicle operators and the dairy industry for their patience and ongoing cooperation while investigations are under way."

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

"This is a very important issue for the community and I welcome the fact that Minister Aitchison has come here today to talk to locals about the situation and to offer positive solutions.

"Hampden Bridge is much loved but it's done long service beyond what it was initially designed for.

"I will continue to push for an outcome for the community that ensures our road connections are not only restored but enhanced."