Wider lanes, better cycling facilities and improved road approaches are a step closer for Goulburn residents, with works now underway on removing the old Lansdowne Bridge.

Work will be carried out during weekdays between 7am and 6pm, with access to Goulburn Recreation Area maintained at all times. 

Construction of the replacement bridge, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, is expected to start in mid-2018 and be completed by mid-2019.  

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the bridge replacement and associated road upgrades would greatly improve this key freight route and important link to the south coast.

“The new bridge will improve safety and access for residents, and save freight operators money – delivering dollars into the pockets of local businesses and supporting local jobs,” Mr Taylor said.

“The new bridge is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to invest in the national road network and is being funded under our Bridges Renewal Program.

“Through that program we are giving local, state and territory governments the financial support they need to build better bridges. In this electorate, I’ve secured around $8.7 million to get nine bridge upgrade projects underway.”

NSW Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said activities were progressing well to replace the bridge, with removal works on the existing bridge expected to be completed in early 2018.

“The old timber truss bridge has served the region well for the past 115 years, with the new Lansdowne bridge expected to support the Goulburn region for many years to come,” Ms Goward said. 

“The community will be kept informed of demolition activities, and there will be a number of steps to prepare for removing the bridge, including relocating telecommunication infrastructure, establishing a compound area, fencing, vegetation clearing and installing a crane pad.”

Ms Goward said in the last five years, the NSW Government had spent a total $29.5 million on bridges within the Goulburn electorate.