Rural
21 March, 2026
New bridge at Kangaroo Valley is still an option
Transport for NSW will continue to pursue options for a new bridge in Kangaroo Valley because of structural problems with the iconic Hampden Bridge.
Transport for NSW will continue to pursue options for a new bridge in Kangaroo Valley because of structural problems with the iconic Hampden Bridge.
In its latest community update, the department says it is taking a “multi-pronged approach” to tackling the river crossing issue.
It will continue with structural repairs to the historic Hampden Bridge – in line with legislative requirements – but at the same time will continue with detailed design work for a temporary structure downstream of the existing bridge.
Transport for NSW has also confirmed that the State Government has provided $500,000 in funding to begin planning for a new crossing over the Kangaroo River.
The load limit on the 127-year-old bridge was reduced to 23 tonnes last year because of structural problems.
Transport for NSW will continue to undertake a ‘complex’ program of repair work this year but is unsure if those repairs will enable a 42.5 tonne load limit can be reinstated – and will not know until the end of the year.
“Detailed design for a temporary structure next to the existing Hampden Bridge downstream (western side) is progressing well,” Transport for NSW said in its latest project update.
“The detailed design includes the road design, structural design of the bridge, how it will be constructed and utility investigation and design.”
Transport for NSW said the temporary bridge would only be required if full closures of Hampden Bridge are required for extended periods of time to undertake the necessary repairs and re-instate the 42.5 tonne load limit.
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 not be built but rather ‘launched’ across the Kangaroo River.
In the long-term, Transport for NSW said it needed to find a balance between freight industry, heritage and community expectations.
Options include a new bridge on a new alignment and the use of alternate freight corridors.
It expects to exhibit a draft feasibility study for public comment before the middle of the year and will publish a final feasibility study before the end of 2026 – despite having stated that it won’t know the outcome of the next stage of repair works until they are completed at the end of the year.
The next stage of works will commence in April and will include full bridge closures at night in two-week blocks – during which time motorists will be diverted via Macquarie Pass.
Works are continuing to repair landslip damage on Macquarie Pass but Transport for NSW says Hampden Bridge and Macquarie Pass will never be closed at the same time.
Read More: Kangaroo Valley