Inland Rail, Media Release, 14 May 2025

Wagga Wagga residents will have their first chance to see designs for the three new bridges to be built in the town with Inland Rail releasing new visualisations for public viewing.

The new visualisations show how the Edmondson Street road bridge, Wagga Wagga Station footbridge – also known as Mothers Bridge – and Cassidy Parade footbridge will look once completed.

All three bridges have been designed in collaboration with the NSW Government and Wagga Wagga City Council.

The bridges have also been reviewed by the NSW State Design Review Panel, a group of built-environment design experts who provide independent evaluation and advice on the design quality of projects.  

This collaboration and feedback ensures the bridges meet all safety, environmental, urban design and technical requirements.

Edmondson Street bridge will feature a separate pedestrian path which meets the accessibility requirements of the 1992 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), enabling users with mobility restrictions to safely use the bridge.

As required by Wagga Wagga City Council’s guidelines, road vehicles will experience a maximum grade on the approaches of 10 per cent, complying with Clause 2.15 of Wagga Wagga Engineering Guidelines for Subdivisions and Development Standards.

Mothers Bridge and Cassidy Parade Bridge feature ramps which, similar to Edmondson Street, meet DDA requirements for a shallow gradient to allow easier access. They also feature anti-throw screens and handrails for enhanced safety and useability.

Work is expected to begin later this year during the September possession, when the rail line is closed temporarily to ensure complete safety for work crews.

The Edmondson Street bridge is expected to be closed for approximately 18 months.

Cassidy Parade footbridge will be replaced by a temporary bridge for approximately 19 months during construction, while the new footbridge is constructed.

Mothers Bridge will be retained during part of the construction period, but will be accessed on the station side by an alternative temporary access ramp. This temporary access at Mothers Bridge will facilitate construction of the new crossing and will be in place for approximately 15 months.

Inland Rail has commenced consultation with key stakeholders including schools, emergency services, Wagga Wagga City Council, Transport for NSW and public transport service providers to accommodate traffic during the construction period. Following this consultation, a Traffic Management Plan and other associated planning will be developed to address the closure period of the Edmondson Street bridge. 

Once these plans have been finalised, they will be shared with the community so that all road users are aware of the approved traffic changes ahead of time. 

Malcolm Clark, Inland Rail Project Director, Albury to Illabo, said:

“The replacement of the three bridges in Wagga Wagga is a key component of delivering Inland Rail between Beveridge and Parkes by the end of 2027.

“The new Edmondson Street bridge will provide a much-improved crossing point which will benefit drivers and pedestrians, while Mothers Bridge and Cassidy Parade Bridge will also improve safety and accessibility for users.

“All three bridges have undergone a rigorous design and approvals process which demands we work in close consultation with key stakeholders including Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council.

“We are working with Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council to finalise our Construction Traffic and Transport Management Plan and associated sub-plans to minimise impacts to the community as much as possible.

“We acknowledge that the closure of Edmondson Street will lead to unavoidable traffic delays and we are currently working with key stakeholders including Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council to develop mitigations to reduce these delays as much as is practical. We thank the Wagga Wagga community for their patience and understanding throughout these important works when the time.”