The $12 million Cobram Barooga Bridge project is jointly funded by the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, and will provide for the rehabilitation of the original structure by the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales (RTA) for future use as a combined cycle/pedestrian path after the completion of the new bridge.
VicRoads awarded FRH Group Pty Ltd a $9.6 million contract for the construction of the new bridge crossing between Cobram and Barooga. Work commenced in May 2005.
The bridge was officially opened by the Victorian Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor and the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Matt Brown on Tuesday the 27th June 2006. The bridge was completed on budget and six weeks earlier than anticipated.
A large and enthusiastic crowd attended the opening event which saw Peter Bachelor and Matt Brown drive across the old bridge in a vintage car then return via the new bridge; the drive was followed by a community walk onto the new bridge prior to its opening to traffic. The opening featured a sausage sizzle and brass band entertainment for all present.
Following assessment of public submissions, the new structure was named "Cobram-Barooga Bridge".
Project Features and Benefits
Managing the Environment
Approval authorities
Involving the Community
Protecting our Cultural Heritage
The Barooga Main Road crosses the Murray River between Cobram in Victoria and Barooga in NSW by way of an existing single lane lift bridge which was built in 1902.This bridge is one of 30 structures which provide vehicle and pedestrian access across the Murray River. As a single lane structure, the existing bridge was controlled by traffic signals and is now unable to provide a suitable level of service for local and regional traffic; it also cannot accommodate modern truck traffic.
The new bridge is directly adjacent and upstream of the old bridge, the road works linking into the existing main road at Daintons Bridge on the Victorian approach and at People's Bridge on the New South Wales approach.
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VicRoads is committed to protecting the local environment through responsible planning and management of the Murray River Crossing Project between Cobram and Barooga.
FRH is implementing a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to ensure that all construction activities comply with the Conditions of Approval.
The CEMP addresses the environmental issues such as rehabilitation of the work area, weed management, observation and care for threatened species, contamination management, and other environmental issues. It is available for inspection at Berrigan & Moira Shire Offices and VicRoads Office at 50-52 Clarke Street, Benalla. Regular environmental audits are being conducted to ensure compliance with the CEMP and that there are no adverse impacts on the local environment (the Murray River in particular).
For information relating to the Conditions of Approval, you can download Cobram and Barooga - Conditions of Approval [PDF, 262KB, 43 pp.]
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All works are being undertaken in accordance with the project's conditions of approval. The NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure issued the conditions in October 2004. The conditions include requirements for monitoring, assessment, reporting and consultation when undertaking works. These conditions provide clear guidance on the processes required for community involvement and environmental management.
The following is a list of relevant authorities and their area of responsibility for the Cobram Barooga Bridge project.
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure (NSW)
Approval authority under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).
Department of Planning (NSW)
Approval of various environmental and management plans as required under the project's conditions of approval. Regulate activities that impact on watercourses, riparian zones and groundwater within Crown lands and soil management issues.
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
The Department regulates:
- Activities to protect air and water quality, limit noise impacts and the use of certain chemicals.
- Natural and cultural heritage including biodiversity and threatened species, Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic sites and pest management.
- Sustainable consumption, resource use and waste management.
Heritage Office NSW
Approval authority for activities that impact or potentially impact on non indigenous heritage items.
Berrigan Shire Council
Council approves construction activities on its land, including:
- Activities taking place on Council roads including lane closures and hours of closures
- Erection of temporary structures for the construction activity.
NSW Department of Primary Industries
The Department is responsible for:
- Conservation of fish stocks and protection of key fish habitat.
- Regulation of construction activities that affect fish habitat and fish passage, including crossings and watercourses.
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VicRoads values community contribution to the delivery of the Murray River Crossing Project between Cobram and Barooga.
For effective consultation, VicRoads has appointed four members of the community to join representatives from key stakeholders on the project Community Liaison Group.
The group comprises:
- Mr Maurice Denson, Community Member
- Mr John McAllister, Barooga Advancement Group
- Mr David Brooks, Brooks Logistics Ltd / Local Fire Brigade
- Cr Kevin Bourke, Moira Shire
- Cr Greg Ryan, Berrigan Shire / CEO Barooga Sports Club
- Cr John Bruce, Berrigan Shire
- Mr Wayne Walgers, Project Development Manager, RTA
- Mr John Stafford, North East Region, VicRoads
- Mr Andrew Williams, Project Manager, VicRoads
- Mr Ray Beavis, Manager, Planning and Construction, VicRoads
- Mr Leonard Bam, FRH Group Pty Ltd (contractor)
For more information on the CLG, you can download CLG Terms of Reference Cobram Barooga Bridge [PDF, 103KB, 13 pp.]
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VicRoads appreciates and respects Australia's cultural heritage.
Should items of cultural significance be encountered during construction, VicRoads will ensure that these are saved and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The existing Murray River Bridge is to be retained and will be modified by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) of New South Wales after the new bridge is opened to cater for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The bridge consisting of a central lifting structure with de Burgh truss spans on both approaches is considered to be of State heritage significance.
A Conservation Management Plan to ensure the protection of the existing structure is to be prepared in accordance with the NSW Heritage Office publication, Conservation Management Documents - Guidelines on Conservation Management Plans and Other Management Documents 1996[PDF, 387 KB, 13 pp.].
VicRoads has worked with the indigenous community to develop a monitoring agreement which establishes principles to be observed. This agreement will ensure that indigenous monitors are on site during critical phases of the works to ensure the identification and protection of items of indigenous cultural significance uncovered during construction.
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