Authorities fear Towamba Bridge is at risk of collapse after the weekend’s storms.
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An initial assessment found gaps of more than 75mm had opened up between several of the concrete bridge deck panels.
It is estimated there has been about eight inches (200mm) of movement caused by the floodwaters.
Council’s Director of Transport and Utilities Terry Dodds said signs are in place instructing road users not to use the bridge.
“There is a strong possibility of significant hidden damage to the Towamba Bridge structure, and using this asset right now could result in serious injury or death if failure occurs,” he said.
“When the water levels drop we will conduct a more thorough structural assessment of the bridge, and until we know the full extent of the damage, and the works required to make it usable again, we are instructing that nobody is to use the bridge.
“We understand the inconvenience this presents to the Towamba community and we are doing everything we can to get the bridge operational again.’’
For more information please contact Bega Valley Shire Council on 6499 2222.
