The Swan Hill bridge could return to its normal width of 4.3 metres by next year as major maintenance works begin on the 120-year-old lift-span bridge.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will carry out the work over the next two months, which includes building a temporary support structure to ensure the bridge can carry heavy loads during harvest season and tree removal to improve visibility.
The NSW and Victorian governments are funding the $1.8 million works to reduce future maintenance requirements.
John Monahan, from the Murray Downs Advancement Group, said the bridge must be maintained if it is to continue to carry heavy loads.
“As an old bridge, it can’t be avoided,” he said.
“Even if we do get a new bridge funded, the old bridge will remain and will need to continue to be repaired.”
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