Inland Rail announces closure date for Wagga’s Edmondson Street bridge

INLAND Rail has announced a closure date for Wagga’s Edmondson Street bridge, marking a major step toward the structure’s demolition and rebuild, and a significant change for local traffic.

The bridge, a key connection between Turvey Park and Central Wagga, was originally scheduled to close in September. However, the decision was postponed while a detailed traffic management plan was finalised.

The crossing will now close to vehicles on Saturday, November 22, beginning with a trial closure that will test traffic mitigation strategies before demolition and construction work begins.

Inland Rail says the trial will allow authorities to assess detour routes, congestion levels, and overall community impact before committing to the full shutdown.

“We understand the traffic changes around Edmondson Street will cause some disruption over the eighteen-month planned closure period,” said Inland Rail’s Albury to Parkes Delivery Director, James Kennedy.

“These plans have been carefully reviewed to prioritise safety and reduce congestion wherever possible.”

Mr Kennedy explained that demolition and rebuild works over the rail line can only occur during scheduled track possession windows, which take place only a few times per year and limit the timing of construction.

“Bridge works over the railway lines can only occur during track possessions, when trains are not running. These track possessions only occur several times a year and restrict when these activities can take place,” he said.

“We’ll continue to keep the community informed as we move closer to the trial closure, and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation.”

Artist illustration of the new Edmondson Street road bridge | Source: Supplied/Inland Rail

High-impact closure

Edmondson Street bridge is one of the busiest crossings in Wagga and provides direct access to Wagga High School and Kildare Catholic College.

Its closure is expected to cause major disruption to school traffic, daily commutes, and emergency service routes unless mitigation measures prove effective.

Pedestrian access will remain open throughout the trial and construction periods via Mothers Bridge (located at Wagga train station) and the Cassidy Street footbridge.

Inland Rail says the impact of the closure will be monitored daily and reviewed weekly. Final decisions will be made in consultation with Wagga City Council, Transport for NSW, emergency services, and other relevant authorities.

If the trial is deemed successful and the required approvals are granted, the bridge will be closed for approximately a further 18 months while demolition and reconstruction proceed.

The new structure will be taller and wider than the existing bridge. It is being purpose-built to accommodate double-stacked freight trains, a key feature of the Inland Rail project which aims to increase freight capacity between Melbourne and Brisbane.

If final approvals are secured, demolition and full construction works will begin shortly after the trial concludes, with the project expected to run through to at least mid-to-late 2027.

Artist illustration of the new Edmondson Street road bridge | Source: Supplied/Inland Rail

Major traffic changes

To help manage congestion during the closure, Inland Rail will install trailer-mounted field cameras at key intersections to collect real-time traffic data.

A temporary traffic monitoring centre will also be established. It will be staffed by representatives from Inland Rail, Martinus Rail, Wagga City Council, Transport for NSW, and local emergency services. The team will assess conditions on the ground and adjust traffic measures where needed.

Changes to the local road network will begin rolling out in the coming weeks, including the installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of Macleay and Coleman Streets.

Turning restrictions and traffic clearways will also be introduced along Bourke Street, between the rail line and Urana Street.

Mr Kennedy encouraged residents to start planning their travel habits now, including identifying alternate routes and varying trip times.

“This will help spread out any traffic congestion across the existing road network,” he said.

New bus routes

With several major schools in the area, Inland Rail has confirmed that temporary changes to school bus routes and timetables will be introduced ahead of the bridge’s full closure.

These new arrangements will take effect from Monday, November 10, giving students, families, and schools time to adjust before detours come into force.

Inland Rail is working closely with local bus operators and Transport for NSW to finalise the changes. Meetings with individual schools were scheduled from the beginning of Term 4, ensuring each school community is fully informed and supported through the transition.

Feedback encouraged

To help keep residents informed, Inland Rail will host a series of community information sessions in the lead-up to the closure. Details will be published on the Inland Rail website in the coming weeks.

Residents can also provide feedback or ask questions at any time by calling the Inland Rail Community Hotline on 1800 732 761.

The November 22 closure date has received in-principle support from local and state authorities, though final regulatory approvals are still being finalised. Works notifications will be distributed to nearby residents and businesses in advance of the trial.

Regional impact

The Edmondson Street closure follows another significant bridge shutdown in the Riverina.

In Junee, Kemp Street bridge was demolished in September during a 60-hour rail possession. It too is being replaced with a taller structure to meet Inland Rail’s national clearance standards.

Both bridges form part of the broader Parkes to Albury section of the Inland Rail program, which aims to deliver faster, more efficient freight movement and long-term economic benefits to regional centres including Wagga, Junee, and Albury.