Despite many supporters of the ‘green’ route requesting the current bridge be retained Transport NSW made it very clear the existing bridge will be demolished in the Mulwala Bridge Community Consultation Summary Report released in December 2021.
“The existing structure has reached the end of its serviceable life and will be replaced by a bridge on either the ‘grey’ or ‘green’ route,” Transport for NSW stated in the report.
“Constructed in 1924, the existing Mulwala Bridge has reached the end of its serviceable life and needs to be replaced, to ensure a safe and serviceable structure that meets the community’s current and future needs.
“When construction of the new bridge is complete, the current bridge will be demolished.”
The report goes on to state that authorities will continue to “build community awareness and understanding of the need to remove the current bridge”.
“Transport will work with the community to find a way to recognise its historic significance in an appropriate way.”
Essential maintenance work on the 97-year-old Mulwala bridge was completed in 2021.
The $3.45 million maintenance works included repairing a damaged steel support structure, an upgrade of the barrier rails and pedestrian footpath and resurfacing the road on the Mulwala side approach.