Tharwa Bridge - 2005 Closure and Restoration

2005 Closure and Restoration

An engineering assessment of the bridge was undertaken in 1978 by structural engineering firm Hardcastle & Richards, which resulted in some upgrades. however, the bridge subsequently deteriorated.

The bridge was closed in April 2005 when a routine inspection identified extensive wood rotting (caused by termites) of a number of critical, structural elements of the bridge. During July and August 2005, Tharwa Bridge was strengthened with bailey panels to provide a temporary crossing for vehicles up to five tonne. This arrangement was to have been in place until 2008, however, in September 2006 ACT Roads advised that the Tharwa Bridge would be closed for three months, and later announcing the bridge was to be closed for an indefinite period. Barriers were put in place to close off the bridge to road, cycle and pedestrian traffic. Traffic for was diverted north to Point Hut low level crossing. In the event of that crossing being closed due to flooding, the only other high level bridge in the area is at the Cotter.

In October 2006 the ACT Government announced its decision to construct a single lane concrete bridge with a pedestrian walkway adjacent to the existing bridge. Construction was intended to begin in 2007, however this plan was abandoned in favour, of a decision to restore the old bridge, with construction getting underway in April 2008.

The bridge was reopened in August 2008 to light traffic less than 5 tonnes.

The second phase of the project was completed in February 2010 with the foundations improved to withstand major flooding. The third and final phase of the restoration involved further closure of the bridge to public use to allow for replacement of the timber trusses, new timber deck, and steel railings. The bridge was re-opened to the public on 24 June 2011, with work ongoing and scheduled for completion in September 2011.