All systems go for bridge

LAST week pedestrians got the first sneak peek at Gundagai’s new Sheahan Bridge duplication, but yesterday it was time for trucks and cars to take over.Federal Minster for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese officially opened the $78 million bridge yesterday morning following a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Aboriginal elder Uncle Vince.Mr Albanese said yesterday’s opening was a major milestone in the Hume Highway upgrade and would provide a safer journey through Gundagai for road traffic.“The new bridge and road approaches will greatly improve road safety for both the local community and the interstate freight moving along this busy highway,” he said.“Together with the Coolac Bypass, which is due to open in the next few weeks, this project will complete the duplication of the Hume Highway between Sydney and the Sturt Highway turnoff.”Speaking on behalf of roads minister Michael Daley, who was unable to attend, Gundagai-born Michael Veitch MLC said the newly expanded bridge would not be fully functional until later this year following maintenance work on the original bridge.“The existing bridge will now be upgraded and repairs made,” he said.“These are due to be completed by September 2009 when the dual carriageway will be commenced. It will then be a four-lane divided carriageway.”Yesterday’s opening ceremony was attended by Justice Terry Sheahan and his sisters Margaret and Deirdre.The bridge was named after their late father William Sheahan, who was the long-serving member for Burrinjuck throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s.