Work to build the new Lansdowne Bridge across the Mulwaree River in Goulburn is more than halfway complete.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $18.6 million replacement of Lansdowne Bridge was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Bridges Renewal Program.

“This new bridge will boost road user safety with wider lanes, improved approaches and a new 2.5-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr McCormack said.

“It will be built for purpose and last for 100 years, which means it will not be closed frequently for maintenance.

“Local residents, heavy vehicle operators and other motorists will greatly benefit as they will experience less road disruptions and shorter travel times.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said major work started in August 2018 and was on track for completion by mid-2019, as bridge girders were this week brought on site and installed.

“More than 200 workers are ensuring that the project is delivered on time. A 250-tonne crane has been brought to the project area to lift the 30 girders into place, which will support the deck of the bridge,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The new bridge will create a more efficient and reliable road network for vehicles of all sizes. I’m so pleased that the NSW Liberals and Nationals in government have invested more than $15 million to help deliver this essential project.”

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said that it was great to see the project reach the halfway mark.

“I drive this road a lot as I live close by and I know how keen the community is to see the new bridge up and open later this year,” Mr Taylor said.

“It’s another much-needed infrastructure project for Goulburn. $80 million in Federal infrastructure funding has been invested in the Goulburn area alone in the past few years.”

State Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said the next step would be work to build the bridge deck and barriers, as well as continuing work on the new concrete retaining walls, stormwater drainage and road pavement on approach to the new bridge.

“Work will be ongoing between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and some Saturdays between 8am and 1pm, so we advise motorists to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control,” Ms Goward said.

Liberals Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said lane closures and traffic control are in place on Bungonia Road and Forbes Street, and a 40km/h speed limit is in place through the work site at all times.

“We wish to thank the local community for their patience while these works continue. Once completed the bridge will ease traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety” Ms Tuckerman said.

A component of the build is the installation of heritage information signs that will be mounted using parts of the old bridge as supports.

These signs will provide information about the history of the area and former bridge crossings.

The Australian Government contributed $3.25 million to this project through the Bridges Renewal Program, while the NSW Government contributed $15.4 million.

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Caption (below): Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor, NSW Member for Goulburn Pru Goward and Liberal candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, watching the last girders lifted into place at Lansdowne Bridge at Goulburn.  The new $18.6 million bridge is expected to be finished mid-2019.