Restoration works on the Briner Bridge over the Coldstream River will begin this week ahead of its nomination to the State Heritage Register.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said the upgrade would improve the structural capacity of the timber bridge.

“Briner Bridge is an important local structure. The bridge deck will be widened with an approved heritage arrangement to allow two lanes of traffic,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This will improve the functionality of the bridge while preserving its character and heritage significance.”

Roads and Maritime Services started early work on Tuesday, with major work to start next week, from 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.

Mr Gulaptis said additional work will be carried out on some weekends during the same hours, with noisier work on these weekends planned for between 8am and 4pm.

“The work will initially involve signage, fencing, utility relocations and earthworks. Additional work will also be carried out to relocate and protect the microbats living in the bridge,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“A temporary bridge will be built upstream of Briner Bridge to allow traffic to cross the river while the restoration work is carried out.

“The temporary bridge will be one lane wide and will have the same 33 tonne load capacity as the Briner Bridge.

“There will be planned weekend closures of the temporary crossing for certain activities and the community will be informed well in advance of any closures.”

Work to build the approach roads for the temporary bridge will start later this month. The full project will take about 14 months to complete, weather permitting.