Crowds watch as Wagga’s new Mothers Bridge lifted into place

A GIANT 60-tonne steel bridge span has been lifted into place over Wagga’s rail corridor, marking a major milestone in the construction of the city’s new railway pedestrian bridge.

The 52-metre truss was craned into position on Thursday, July 23, replacing the city’s iconic “Mothers Bridge” that has served generations of Wagga residents for almost 90 years.

A crowd of onlookers gathered throughout the afternoon to watch the intricate operation unfold, as a 400-tonne mobile crane carefully lifted the massive structure into place above the rail corridor beside Wagga Railway Station.

Image: Facebook/Phil Barton

Image: Facebook/Phil Barton

The bridge truss made the slow journey from Newcastle aboard a specialised “jinker” truck before arriving in Wagga for the complex installation.

The existing pedestrian bridge, built in 1936, has long been one of Wagga’s most recognisable landmarks.

Affectionately known as “Mothers Bridge”, it earned its nickname after providing a safe crossing for mothers with prams, schoolchildren and pedestrians travelling between the CBD and the Turvey Park side of the city.

Today, the crossing continues to be used daily by hundreds of school students, commuters and train passengers.

Image: Facebook/Phil Barton

Image: Facebook/Phil Barton

Martinus General Manager of Major Projects Gavin Murphy said the successful lift was the culmination of months of planning and close collaboration between project partners.

“This installation is the result of extensive planning, collaboration and a shared commitment to safety across every organisation involved,” Mr Murphy said.

“By working closely with Inland Rail, our delivery partners and key stakeholders, we’ve been able to carefully co-ordinate a complex lift that prioritises the safety of our workforce, rail operations and the Wagga Wagga community.”

Inland Rail described the installation as a major milestone in delivering the replacement bridge, which has been designed to improve accessibility, safety and connectivity for the community while accommodating the future expansion of the national freight network.

Image: Facebook/Phil Barton

Unlike the existing structure, the new bridge has been built higher to provide sufficient clearance for future double-stacked freight trains travelling along the upgraded rail corridor.

The replacement crossing will also feature improved accessibility through new pedestrian ramps, anti-throw screens and upgraded handrails, creating a safer and more user-friendly connection across the railway line.

The new pedestrian bridge is expected to open before the end of the year.

Once operational, the original 1936 bridge will be permanently closed before being dismantled, bringing an end to the life of one of Wagga’s most enduring pieces of transport infrastructure.