JUST three spans will remain after Transport for NSW demolishes the bulk of the Manilla viaduct.
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The rail line from Barraba to Tamworth has been out of action for three decades and poses a serious safety risk due to deterioration, a study into future options reveals.
Six options were presented to the public from doing nothing, to demolition or complete replacement, all at a hefty price tag.
No major work is expected to commence over the next 12 months, but Transport for NSW will adopt the recommendation to demolish the bulk of the viaduct.
“This retained section will be complimented with interpretive signage that will tell the history of the Tamworth to Barraba rail line and its role in the development of Manilla,” a spokesman said.
The study ruled out repurposing the viaduct as ‘currently unviable’ but Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson wants to see the historical structure returned to its former glory.
“I would like to see the viaduct saved, we need to set up a program of repairs and maintenance fixing the worst parts then working along the rest as needed,” he said.
“This is a piece of Australian railway heritage right here in Manilla and I firmly believe it should be restored.”
A tourist walk is one option as part of a bigger picture to use the viaduct to bring more visitors to the small town.
But as it stands, even a small collision with the viaduct could be ‘catastrophic’, with the structural elements not as robust as they once were.
Complete removal is slated at a $4.2 million price tag, retention of three spans at $3.9 million with $500,000 of ongoing maintenance and a complete face lift would cost $24 million.
At least 40 people went to the meeting on Tuesday night to talk about their concerns and visions, among them Tamworth Regional Council councillor Jim Maxwell.
As an unused bridge it’s difficult to justify the cost of a complete refurbishment Cr Maxwell said.
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“Sadly I think it will most probably go, I could be wrong but the community could not raise enough money to do anything with it,” he said.
“That amount of money is out of the realm of possibility for our community, it just depends whether the government is willing to cough up money.”
Transport for NSW is open to further community suggestions.