Nowra Bridge undergoes major restoration for pedestrian use

The 145-year-old Nowra Bridge over the Shoalhaven River is undergoing a major revitalization project to transform it into a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist crossing. Having been retired from road traffic in 2023 following the opening of a new bridge, the historic structure will now undergo a specialized repainting and repair process similar to the one used for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Starting October 5, crews will utilize a sealed containment enclosure to perform abrasive blasting and repainting. This method is designed to capture paint residue, dust, and blasting materials to prevent contaminants from entering the Shoalhaven River. Following the removal of old paint, workers will conduct detailed inspections of the steelwork, repair corrosion, and replace components such as rivets, bracing, and lattice elements. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.