Monaro MP John Barilaro early work started last week with utility service relocations for the new Nerriga Road structure.

A new concrete bridge slightly upstream on the Mongarlowe River will replace the 1901 Allan Truss timber crossing.

The project is part of the State Government’s Bridges for the Bush program which was allocated $14.3 million in the 2017/18 budget.

The federal government contributed $5m under its Bridges Renewal Program to the project.

The government says it will facilitate “faster and safer travel.” 

“Charleyong Bridge is located on Main Road 92 which is a vital transport route for our region, connecting Braidwood and Nowra via Nerriga,” Mr Barilaro said.

Senator for NSW John Williams said the new bridge would improve safety and accessibility for all road users, particularly freight operators, as it would have wider traffic lanes and a greater load limit.

“The benefits don’t stop there, as the new bridge will have an improved alignment and better road approaches and will be cheaper and easier to maintain,” he said.

Changed traffic conditions including stop/slow conditions will be in place to allow for the early work to be carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.

Community members will be kept informed as the project progresses.

But not everyone is in favour of the replacement.

Nerriga resident Bill Chalmers last year told the Braidwood Times he couldn’t understand why the bridge was being demolished.

“This bridge, even if they never do anything to it again, it’ll be here for another 100 years at least, and it could be a marvelous tourist attraction,” he said at the time.