News
18 May, 2026
One closure replaced with another
Transport for NSW has advised that there will be a halt in night works to repair landslip damage on Macquarie Pass – paving the way for night works on Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley.
As one road opens, another closes for motorists travelling towards the South Coast.
Transport for NSW has advised that there will be a halt in night works to repair landslip damage on Macquarie Pass – paving the way for night works on Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley.
The bridge will be fully closed to traffic between 7pm and 5am from Monday, May 25 to Thursday, May 28, enabling damaged elements of the timber truss along the top of the bridge to be replaced.
Detours will be in place via the Illawarra Highway at Macquarie Pass and the Princes Highway, adding up to 90 minutes to travel times.
Night work will also be carried out on Sunday, May 24 and Friday, May 25 from 7pm to 5am, weather permitting – however access across Hampden Bridge will be maintained during this time with stop/slow traffic control in place.
From Monday, June 1 work will continue from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, weather permitting.
During daytime work, Hampden Bridge will remain open to traffic under stop/slow traffic control, and with a reduced speed limit of 10 km/h for trucks and buses.
As previously reported by The Southern Wire, Transport for NSW is taking a ‘multi-pronged’ approach to tackling the river crossing issue at Kangaroo Valley given its importance as a passenger and freight route.
It will continue with structural repairs to the iconic structure – in line with legislative requirements – but at the same time will continue with detailed design work for a temporary structure downstream of then existing bridge.
Those plans have been described as well-advanced.
Transport for NSW has also confirmed that the State Government has provided $500,000 in funding to begin planning for a new river crossing.
The load limit on the historic bridge was reduced to 23 tonnes last year because of structural problems.
Transport for NSW will continue to undertake a ‘complex’ program of repairs throughout 2026 but is unsure if those repairs will enable the 42.5 tonne load limit to be reinstated – and will be unable to say until the end of the year.
During the May 25-28 night closures, pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge under the guidance of traffic control.
‘Soft closures’ will be set approximately 15 minutes’ drive on either side of the bridge in a bid to minimise the impact on motorists who may not be aware of the bridge closure.
Local access will be maintained through the soft closure points.
Transport for NSW is working with emergency services to ensure additional resources are in place so both sides of Hampden Bridge can be accessed should there be an emergency during the closures.
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