NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has announced the tender for painting Martin Bridge across the Manning River at Taree has been awarded to Eptec Services Pty Ltd by Transport for NSW.
Mr Bromhead said the NSW Nationals in Government were funding the repainting project to maintain the structural integrity of Martin Bridge and to reduce future maintenance costs.
“This is great news for the local community, with work due to start in mid-May,” Mr Bromhead said.
“The upgrade of Martin Bridge aims to preserve the life of the structure and ensure it continues to serve the community well into the future.”
The 475-metre bridge has 15 spans, 11 of which are steel trusses.
It was opened in 1940 and replaced a ferry service at the end of Pulteney Street at Taree.
Eptec Services will be responsible for repairing and repainting existing steel work including applying corrosion prevention.
Access will be available across the bridge during work activities except for on limited occasions during the night, when full bridge closures may be required for up 15 minutes to facilitate isolated plant or equipment movements.
These will be managed to minimise traffic disruptions and avoid the need for diversions.
Most of the repainting work will be carried out during the day with minor disruption to motorists and pedestrians.
More information will be provided to the community prior to work starting in mid-May, and Transport for NSW will continue to update the community and stakeholders on an ongoing basis as the project progresses.
The project is expected to take two and a half years to complete, weather permitting.
