Reconstruction has commenced on the historic Warroo Bridge.

Motorists are advised to look out for changed traffic conditions around the bridge, located 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres south-east of Condobolin.

Originally slated for preservation, the historic bridge was part of a review in 2019 where it was identified for removal. Primary reasons were that it had deteriorated considerably, is is very narrow and not suitable for use by modern agricultural equipment or heavy vehicles with higher mass limit loads.

The plan for replacement did not come without issues. Being the only major bridge crossing of the Lachlan River linking the Lachlan Valley Way to the Henry Parkes Way, closure of the Warroo Bridge meant motorists faced a 93 kilometre detour to travel from one side of the bridge to the other. Consequently, a decision was made by the Warroo Bridge Replacement Project to construct a new concrete bridge a few metres upstream from the existing one. This includes building new approach roads on either side, and removing the old bridge once the new bridge is operational.

Tenders for the construction closed in late April and while work will begin in earnest in 2025, preliminary earthworks have started this week. 

As reconstruction commences, there will be changed traffic conditions for motorists in the area. Work will be undertaken on the bridge between 7am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

Speed limits will be reduced to 80 km/h on Lachlan Valley Way from the intersection with Warroo Road during work hours. A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will also be in place on Warroo Bridge Road during work hours, with intermittent stop/slow traffic control required at times. The speed limit will return to the posted speed outside of work hours.

“Once completed, the new Warroo Bridge will deliver a smoother ride for all road users, improved safety through wider lanes and better road approaches, increased load capacity for heavy vehicles, improved access for wide vehicles, and reduced ongoing maintenance costs and closures," Transport for NSW Director West Alistair Lunn said.

“All motorists are reminded to keep to the reduced speed limits, follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs throughout this work, and allow up to five minutes of extra travel time."

Preliminary earthworks on the new Warroo Bridge will take about eight weeks to complete, weather permitting. 

Historic truss bridge

Between the 1860's and the 1930's, more than 400 timber truss bridges were constructed in New South Wales, many across the Western Plains. During this time, iron and steel was an expensive import while good quality local hardwood timber was plentiful. Of more than 400 timber truss bridges built between 1860 and 1936, 48 remain, with 39 managed by Transport for NSW.