News
29 September, 2026
Load limit decision before the end of the year
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is expected to know before the end of the year whether or not a 42.5 tonne load limit on Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley can be reinstated.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is expected to know before the end of the year whether or not a 42.5 tonne load limit on Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley can be reinstated.
A complex program of work to repair and replace damaged elements on the historic bridge has now been completed and monitoring equipment will be installed on the bridge in coming weeks.
The monitoring equipment will include sensors and gauges to track any structural changes and to help protect the bridge.
Scaffolding will then be removed from the bridge in preparation for load testing on Tuesday, October 6.
A TfNSW spokesperson said load testing would involve a laden track being driven back and forth over the bridge to test its performance under different conditions.
The bridge will remain open to traffic while the testing is carried out but motorists are advised to expect delays.
The load limit on Hampden Bridge was reduced to 23 tonnes in June 2025 because of concerns over its structural integrity.
Since then, 12 timber beams have been replaced along the bottom of the bridge truss and another nine timber beams along the top of the truss.
Twelve steel bars connecting the main cable to the bridge deck have also been replaced.
The spokesperson said load testing would be followed by an assessment period to determine if the 42.5 tonne load limit can be reinstated and for how long.
The assessment period will also include review and analysis of data from the sensors and gauges.
Regardless of the outcome, ongoing work on the bridge – which forms part of an important transport link between the Southern Highlands and South Coast - is expected to continue.
“Being a heritage bridge, Hampden Bridge was never designed for the weight of modern freight vehicles, so we know there will be ongoing work required,” the spokesperson said.
Work to assess the long-term requirements for the full repair, strengthening and heritage restoration of the bridge is continuing.
As reported by The Southern Wire earlier this year, TfNSW is taking a “multi-pronged approach” to tackling the river crossing issue at Kangaroo Valley.
Besides undertaking the structural repairs in line with legislative requirements, it has also been undertaking detailed design work for a temporary structure downstream of the existing bridge.
The temporary bridge would be a one-lane, modular, steel truss bridge that would come in prefabricated sections and would be largely assembled on site.
It would only be required if extended closures of Hamden Bridge are needed for further repairs.
The State Government has also provided $500,000 in funding to start planning for an entirely new crossing on a new alignment over the Kangaroo Valley.
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