About 460m3 of timber and trestles were salvaged from the removal of Prince Alfred Bridge at Gundagai to support construction of the memorial works.
The viaduct was removed after an engineering assessment of the disused structure showed significant structural defects. There were also concerns it could collapse in a flood, risking life and infrastructure.
A heritage consultant will now be engaged to assess the results of a survey of local people and advise on the most appropriate heritage memorial options to honour the bridge’s memory.
Minister for water, property and housing Melinda Pavey said survey ideas for heritage memorial works ranged from a picnic wharf on the Murrumbidgee River to pedestrian bridges, boardwalk and viewing platforms. “Other ideas included a sculpture that can be a tourism icon like the Dog on the Tuckerbox, an avenue of trees and walking track, and interactive options including virtual reality or 3D laser displays,” she said. “St Patrick's Primary School students made suggestions including park furniture, a mini replica of the bridge, and even a town Christmas tree.”
The separate Prince Alfred iron road bridge, which is still in operation across the Murrumbidgee River, and the nearby disused rail viaduct, both remain in place.
