Coppabella Creek Bridge Opens
Bushwalkers will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted 182-kilometre stretch of the iconic Hume and Hovell Track after the NSW Government invested $617,700 in a major new suspension bridge.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the newly-opened 70-metre bridge over Coppabella Creek south-west of Tumbarumba provides access over the last permanent creek on the track that did not have a formal bridge crossing.
“This impressive suspension bridge is terrific news for bushwalkers and families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors on one of the most popular sections of the Hume and Hovell Track, ensuring access when Coppabella Creek is running with water.
“The new bridge means bushwalkers will be able to access the track near Tumbarumba and walk all the way to the Victorian border, which will help attract more tourists and visitors to our region and bring money into local shops and cafes.”
The suspension bridge, with 50 metres of non slip decking between two steel towers, will also provide access for the local farmer across both sides of the creek when water is flowing.
The Hume and Hovell Track follows the route of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell through rugged and scenic wilderness areas and includes campsites, picnic facilities, boardwalks and other bridges. Small sections still remain closed due to the 2019-2020 bushfires but work is progressing to reopen these areas in 2023.
The Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands contracted Snowy Valleys Council to project manage the building of the new suspension bridge over Coppabella Creek as part of $3 million in maintenance and improvements to tracks and trails across the state. The tender was then awarded to Cable Span Australia for the bridge construction.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said “Upgrades to the Hume and Hovell Track are part of $3 million in maintenance and improvements being invested through Crown Lands in 800 kilometres of tracks and trails being maintained for communities, including on Crown land, National Parks, State Forests, and council and private land. “Tracks and trails are vital community infrastructure that allow the community to spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
“Completion of the Coppabella Creek bridge follows the replacement of the Col Daniel bridge over Tumbarumba Creek near Henry Angel Trackhead in September last year.”
Work began in June 2022 on the large footings to support the towers at each end. The footings were left to cure and strengthen while the steelwork was procured. Works began on the towers and the rest of the bridge superstructure towards the end of August 2022. The work on the bridge experienced some delays due to the exceptionally wet Spring season but was able to be completed within planned timeframes. To finish the build, work was undertaken on the bridge approaches to ensure the work site was restored to its original condition.
To access and discover the bridge, visitors will need to walk in via Lankeys Creek Campsite from the South side. Alternatively, you can cut off around 4km if you start where the Hume & Hovell Track meets Yensches Road and walk in to the bridge. There is no direct access from Jingellic Rd to the bridge for visitors since it is on an easement over private property.