Like a reality TV show, tension has been building for a big reveal in the village of Glenreagh.

Transport for NSW North Region Director, Anna Zycki, said that for months a local icon had been wrapped in plastic and completely hidden from public view, but Glenreagh residents can now see the result of a $2.2 million project that’s been ongoing in the village since November 2021.

Ms Zycki said Transport for NSW has just about completed work on repainting and other maintenance of the Glenreagh Bridge and was due to rip off the plastic last week, “like unwrapping a massive birthday present, to show the community the result.”

“This bridge is 104 years old and needed some tender loving care so it can serve the community for, we hope, another 104 years.

“The bridge had been painted with lead-based paint which provided good protection for the metal of the bridge but, as we have learned since, is toxic.

“To remove this paint safely and without polluting the neighbouring environment, the structure needed to be wrapped in plastic with all the material removed captured and taken from the site in something similar to a giant vacuum cleaner.

“From there it was taken to a registered facility for safe disposal.”

Ms Zycki said other work was carried out on the bridge while the team was on-site.

“Most of the steel was in good condition but some repairs to the lattice on the trusses and maintenance on other steel components have been carried out,” she said.

“Work to repair some damaged concrete was also carried out and we’ve installed new guard rails on the approaches on either side.

“This project will keep this important piece of local infrastructure in good condition for many years to come.

“Work is expected to be complete, with the site compound cleaned up, by November 2022.”

Scaffolding removal and guardrail work is not scheduled to happen until October 12-17.