The historic Briner Bridge is undergoing a major facelift following the installation of a temporary bridge built downstream.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the NSW Government had invested $15.9 million for a partial replacement of the Coldstream River crossing.

“The historic Briner Bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge, which has strong associations with the growth in the road network and boom in economic activity in the region during the early 1900s,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“The bridge is currently one lane in each direction, with substantial wear and tear being caused by growing traffic including from the region’s increasing freight needs.

“Transport for NSW deconstructed the existing bridge to allow upgrade works to progress, including increasing the load capacity and widening to allow two cars to pass.

“We know this bridge is an important local structure, which is why the NSW Government is investing in works that will keep it in good condition for generations to come while preserving its character and heritage significance.”

The temporary bridge linking Ulmarra and Tucabia was closed to allow for the safe removal of the existing Briner Bridge. A large crane was set up on the temporary bridge abutments to lift off the truss span and some approach spans.

The community will continue to be informed in advance of any further planned weekend closures of the temporary crossing.

The project is funded through the NSW Government’s Bridges for the Bush program, and has been underway since June 2019.

The Briner Bridge upgrade is due to be completed by December 2020, weather permitting.