WORK to demolish and remove the remaining three decrepit and disused rail bridges, tracks, embankment and debris is under way along the Belubula River at Canowindra.
The bridges have not been in working order for many years and after the floods of 2022 became deteriorated to such an extent that they now present a safety risk with debris likely to be transported downstream in heavy rain or flood waters, a Transport for NSW statement released last week said.
While Transport for NSW crews have already removed some debris from each of the sites, the full demolition and removal can now take place with all approvals in place.
The start of works follows campaigning by community members to have the obstructions removed from the river while conditions remained dry.
The Belubula River Landholders Group flagged their concerns with media earlier this year that the bridge and the debris building up and blocking the water way would push more water into town.
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Landholders along Coocumber Creek told The Canowindra News in April that water levels were higher and taking longer to drain away.
Transport for NSW advises that once the debris has been removed, flood and erosion control will be carried out on site including the application of hydro-mulch to the embankments.
Transport for NSW will continue to work with stakeholders, including Cabonne Shire Council , during work to remove the deteriorated rail infrastructure from the surrounding land and waterway.
Stakeholders are also investigating whether any items from the once heritage-listed bridges may be salvaged for reuse or reinterpretation in the local community.
Debris around each of the sites and other disused rail infrastructure will be removed from around each of the bridges as part of this demolition and clean up work.
This work is expected to be completed before mid-July, weather permitting.
