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Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) undertook major refurbishment works on the Old Murray Bridge. The South Australian Government committed $46 million to deliver this program of work.

Old Murray Bridge was constructed over the Murray River in 1879, and is located on Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, immediately east of the town centre. Murray Bridge is located approximately 75 kilometres from Adelaide.

As the first major bridge spanning the Murray River in South Australia, Old Murray Bridge is a significant State Heritage structure, and requires major refurbishment to maintain it's long-term structural integrity. This South Australian government funded project will increase the bridge's life span by an estimated 30 years.

Old Murray Bridge forms an important route through the Murray Bridge township and links east and west Murray Bridge. The bridge is also used as an alternative route for general access vehicles if the Swanport Bridge is closed (subject to load limits).

The Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project supported approximately 70 full time equivalent jobs averaged over the life of the construction period.

The refurbishment works included:

  • repainting the Old Murray Bridge, which will not only ensure long term corrosion protection of the steelwork but will also improve the heritage amenity of the bridge;
  • repointing, cleaning, and general repairs to the stone abutments and rebuilding the northern parapets (low stone barriers designed to protect the edge of the bridge) to their original height;
  • upgrading the bridge lighting to LED luminaires to improve visibility and enhance road safety at night;
  • Installing corrosion protection to prevent degradation of the iron on the river piers to ensure the service life of the bridge is maintained;
  • repairing Pier 26 in order to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge;
  • upgrading pedestrian approach fences to better integrate with the existing heritage fencing;
  • upgrading footpaths and drainage at the southern approach to improve the pedestrian access, safety and improve amenity in the area;
  • installing interpretive signage to recognise the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal history of the area;
  • undertaking minor structural repairs and upgrades to the structure to maintain serviceability; and
  • relocation of utility services that were obstructing the pedestrian footpaths.

Further Information

To find out more about the project or register for future updates, please contact the project team at the following: