HAMPDEN Bridge is falling down.
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A successful tenderer was last night selected by Wagga City Council in a confidential meeting for the complete demolition of the bridge.
The tender was awarded to Queensland-based company Southern Cross Demolition.
Council did initially consider keeping the pylons with the view of creating a new walkway in the future, but with the demolition including the pylons, that vision is now void.
The bridge has been a long-standing part of Wagga's history since it opened in November 1895 serving as a vital link between North Wagga and the city for close to 100 years.
It was closed to traffic in 1995, but remained open for pedestrians until August 2006 when it was declared too dangerous to use.
The community stood divided on whether or not to keep it following revelations the cost of repairing it was too large and would require extensive upkeep.
Council set aside $2 million for the work in March last year for the work. It is unknown if the tender included the salvaging of the bridge's wood.