Bridging the gap over Hewitts Creek

The bridge linking Thirroul’s Hamilton Road and the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place will close on Monday 24 May for essential repairs.

It’s anticipated the popular cycling and walking pathway will be closed for about six weeks to allow for the work, which includes replacing the patched top-deck with a fibre-reinforced polymer minimesh decking system.

While the work is underway, a well signposted detour will be in place that will provide cyclists the opportunity to use Thirroul’s pop-up on-road cycleway, to ride through parts of McCauley’s Beach Estate and re-join the path from Wilkes Street. Pedestrians are also encouraged to use the alternative route.

“This is a very popular link and it’s important we maintain the bridge, especially since it’s in a harsh marine environment that can speed up wear and tear on the bridge, it’s structure and the handrails,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We’ve timed this work in winter to minimise the impact to the local community. However, we are asking people to modify how they move about for a little while and we thank them for their understanding.

“This project is important. Anyone walking or riding the bridge can see its current decking needs to be repaired. We’ve done some patching to keep it useable but it’s at the point now where we need to do a more extensive repair effort.

“The works will also include removing the handrails and taking them away for cleaning, repairs and regalvanising, and repairs and repainting to the steel super structure.’’

The work is due to take about six weeks and is anticipated to be finished by the end of July 2021,