Cohens Bridge set to close for 14 weeks

Cohens Bridge in Gunnedah is expected to close for 14 weeks early next year due to rehabilitation works.

The bridge over the Namoi River, which links Gunnedah to rural areas in the town’s north such as Kelvin and Wean, will be closed as part of an extensive, two-year maintenance project. Initial work on the 173-metre long, 12-span bridge will start on Monday.

Announcement of the bridge closure was made on Wednesday by Labor’s spokesperson for Tamworth Anthony D’Adam MLC who said the rehabilitation project would provide a safer and longer lasting bridge while also protecting the bridge’s significant heritage value.

“The project involves concrete repairs to the approach spans, repairing and replacing metal elements of the bridge, installing a new bridge deck, installing a new steel traffic barrier in the truss spans and painting of all steel elements,” he said.

“Some vegetation clearing will also be carried out to allow the crew to access underneath the bridge, and a site compound will be set up next to the bridge.”

A temporary, 14-week full bridge closure will be required to allow installation of the new bridge deck, which can’t be completed while the bridge is open to traffic.

The closure is planned for early January 2025, weather permitting, following the Christmas and New Year period. The bridge will remain closed during the Easter holiday period.

During the closure, motorists will be detoured via O’Keefe Avenue, Old Blue Vale Road, Blue Vale Road, Kamilaroi Highway and Chandos Street, which is expected to add around 14 minutes to journeys.

The detour will be in place for all motorists as there will be no safe access across the bridge while the deck is being replaced.

Heavy vehicles will be detoured via O’Keefe Avenue, Old Blue Vale Road, Blue Vale Road, Kamilaroi Highway and Chandos Street for the duration of the project due to the narrow width of the bridge.