Tooleybuc and Swan Hill demand action on new bridges

Tooleybuc and Swan Hill are becoming increasingly frustrated at the progress of major bridge repair works.

The growth of agriculture on the Murray River is being stymied with two major bridge projects in limbo.

The towns of Tooleybuc and Swan Hill are becoming increasingly frustrated at the progress of major bridge projects, which were listed as No. 1 and No. 2 in order of priority for replacement by Transport NSW four years ago.

Tooleybuc Bridge, which is almost 100 years old, is due to undergo major repair works starting next week, following a decision in 2019 to not replace the bridge.

Tooleybuc citrus grower Leon Caccaviello.

Tooleybuc citrus producer Leon Caccaviello had land compulsorily acquired for a new bridge for the town, but was worried “we’re now so far off the radar it’s not funny”.

He said the backflip on the need for a new bridge by Transport NSW was shortsighted.

“The bridge was originally built for a maximum load limit of five tonnes and here we are nearly 100 years later with trucks going over it that are nearly 80 tonnes,” he said.

“Ten years ago who would have thought we would be running B-doubles, B-triples and road trains down a road and in another five years what are the combinations going to be?

“Wide vehicles can’t come over now and we’re on a major arterial road between three states.

“We have to drive machinery to Robinvale or Echuca to get to the other side of our river.”

Swan Hill mayor Jade Benham.

Meanwhile, Swan Hill mayor Jade Benham said there were similar frustrations with the town’s new bridge to replace the existing 126-year-old bridge, despite an alignment agreed to.

So far $60 million has been committed, but $80 million is needed for the project.

“My biggest bugbear is that our Murray Basin Rail Project not being complete means there are so many more trucks on the road,” she said.

“They are bigger and heavier and are not only tearing up roads, but also these bridges that were built for horse and carts, not B-quads.

“If we want to become a transport hub, which we should be because we are an agricultural hub, we need the river crossings to be able to cope.”

Transport for NSW confirmed the Tooleybuc bridge was state heritage listed in NSW and Victoria and would be retained despite the 2018 high priority rating for replacement.

“Full rehabilitation and retention” of the existing bridge is the aim of works starting next week.

“Preliminary options” for a new bridge at Swan Hill aren’t expected to be ready for public consultation until late this year.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala residents John Lawless and Robert Purtle. The NSW government has agreed that a new bridge will be built west of the existing crossing

Meanwhile, the NSW and Victorian governments are both in agreement on the alignment of a new bridge connecting Yarrawonga and Mulwala.

“We’ve finally got everyone on the same page,” green route advocate John Lawless said.

“Surely we can go forward now.”