The Weir over Cockle Creek is a single-lane, two-way, midlevel causeway constructed in 1925. The crossing experiences flooding multiple times a year and is closed to all traffic during moderate rainfall events.

To ensure uninterrupted access along this critical corridor, we will be constructing a dual-lane bridge over Cockle Creek.

The project involves the construction of a dual-lane bridge, the realignment of The Weir Road to improve road safety and a 3m-wide shared pathway on the northern side of the bridge to provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.

A number of options were considered; however, this project is considered the best overall solution as it:

• significantly reduces the impact, frequency and duration of flood events impacting The Weir Road
• improves connectivity between Barnsley and Teralba
• reduces travel times along this critical corridor
• provides safer access for pedestrians and cyclists through a dedicated shared pathway on the northern side of the bridge.

Construction of the proposed bridge is expected to start in late August 2021. We anticipate the works will be completed in mid-2022.

The weir was damaged in early 2021 during a storm event and has remained closed to the public since. Following extensive investigations the weir crossing on The Weir Road, Barnsley will remain permanently closed to protect motorists.

The latest engineering assessments of the weir indicate it is unsafe for continued use by the community. Investigations show there are a range of structural issues, such as scour, undermining and damaged asphalt, that would put the public at risk if we were to re-open access.

Rehabilitation works on the existing weir are impractical due to the significant cost and length of time required to repair the structure to make it safe. We appreciate the community’s understanding regarding this decision and apologise for the inconvenience of the closure.

The upgrade of the Weir Road involves the construction of a dual-lane bridge and 1.5m shoulders provided on both sides of the Weir Road as part of the realigned section of works. There will also be 3m-wide shared pathway on the northern side of the bridge to provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists. This shared path over the bridge will make future extension of the pathway alongside the roadway simpler when the time comes.

Council agreed to compulsorily acquire about 4600m2 of Crown land, being part of Cockle Creek and part of 30 Griffen Road, Teralba. This land will form part of the road reserve.

NSW Crown Lands has been consulted and is supportive of the compulsory acquisition.

There may be some temporary construction noise impacts to properties located near the construction area. Measures will be taken to minimise potential noise impacts, including construction activities taking place generally during the day.

The bridge will be built alongside the existing weir to minimise traffic impacts.

Consultation is being carried out directly with affected property owners.

The weir was damaged in early 2021 during a storm event and has remained closed to the public since. We have no plans to reopen the weir. The weir will be inaccessible to vehicles when the new bridge and approach roads are complete.

We are very aware of the separation between fresh water and salt water habitats that the weir currently provides. At this point Council has no fixed plans to remove or alter the old weir. If such a plan was to be put forward it would only be done in consultation with DPI Fisheries and any other relevant regulatory bodies.