Batemans Bay bridge replacement project on track for completion within $274 million budget

Work is continuing on signs, line-marking and the shared-use path which connects the bridge and the foreshore areas.

The replacement of the road surface on Clyde Street and the planned connection of Wharf and Old Punt roads is also under way.

The large barge used to build the project will leave the Clyde River before Christmas.

The temporary jetty and processing site used while the old bridge was dismantled is expected to be completely removed early next year.

Traffic has been permitted to use the new four-lane bridge and separate cycleway since March, two-and-a-half years after work began to replace the old steel bridge.

Constructed in 1956, the old bridge was deemed structurally unsafe due to coastal impact and unsalvageable as a pedestrian-only bridge.

The raising of its lift to allow for boats to pass through was often the cause of traffic congestion along the Princes Highway.

Woolloomooloo-based artist Joel Adler has been commissioned to commemorate the old bridge, with an art piece expected to be installed early in 2022.

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The industrial designer will use material from the old bridge to create a sculpture which will be constructed on the southern foreshore.

A NSW Transport spokesperson said more detailed information on the foreshore upgrades will be provided to the community in early 2022.

Cyclist Kevin Gerathy said while the old bridge may have been historic, given the highway was a major artery of the South Coast, it was past its used-by date.

Mr Gerathy said the old bridge regularly got stuck open and drivers trying to cross when it opened daily for tourists would be stuck for 20 minutes.

"I think Batemans Bay stagnated for a long time and this is just one of the things that are happening in town that are going to make it a hell of a lot better for the town and for the whole area," he said.

Batemans Bay Business Chamber President Dave Maclachlan said the new bridge was a great initial public infrastructure investment but more was needed to attract the right people and businesses to the South Coast.

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Ms Maclachlan said the foundation was still being laid for private investment which would help create jobs and retain young people in places like Batemans Bay.

"We've got to be cognisant of the environment that's required to attract the right type of investment, quality investment on the South Coast, particularly in tourism," he said.

"Those conditions aren't there yet, but we're on the way."

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