Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for South Coast Liza Butler with the old Nowra bridge in the background. Photo: Supplied.
After 145 years of operation, it’s time for some long-awaited tender loving care for the old Nowra bridge.
The bridge was retired from active duty when the new Nowra Bridge opened in 2023 and is being transformed into a dedicated pedestrian and cycling crossing.
Work to revitalise the bridge started in late 2024, with crews removing damaged and corroded elements for repairs, including 1500 rivets by hand, replacing rosette style diagonal bracing washers and propping and removing end truss lattices.
The next stage of the project is now underway, which involves removing the existing paint, repainting and carrying out detailed inspections and repairs to the bridge’s steel structure.
The bridge, which opened in 1881, will undergo the same specialised repainting process used to protect the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said it was an exciting milestone for the revitalisation of the historic bridge.
“As work continues to prepare the local landmark for its next chapter as a pedestrian and cycleway, great care is being taken to protect the structure and the surrounding environment,” she said.
“It’s meticulous work, but it’s exactly what’s needed to preserve this iconic piece of local history.”
Specialist contractors will install a sealed containment enclosure around one section of the bridge at a time, creating a controlled environment for abrasive blasting and repainting.
The enclosures will capture paint residue, blasting materials and dust, preventing contaminants from entering the Shoalhaven River and surrounding environment.
Once the existing paint has been removed through abrasive blasting, detailed inspections of the exposed steelwork will be carried out.
After applying the new protective primer and coating system, crews will then reinstall repaired steel elements affected by corrosion and replace rivets, bracing and lattice components that were not accessible before scaffolding was installed.
The work is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
The final stage of the project will involve pier strengthening and the installation of new lighting, handrails, street furniture and other shared path features.
South Coast MP Liza Butler said the bridge had been part of the story of the Shoalhaven for more than 140 years.
“Transforming the bridge into a dedicated walking and cycling link will give locals and visitors a wonderful new way to cross the Shoalhaven River while preserving an important piece of our history for generations to come,” she said.
For more information visit Transport for NSW.
