THE fight to save the Manilla viaduct has been renewed with top engineers roped-in to argue for its survival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It could mean a rail trail around Manilla is back on the cards as the community rallies to make the small town a tourist destination.
But the uphill battle to save the unique landmark remains.
READ MORE:
Advocacy group, Rail Trails for NSW has drafted Engineering Heritage Australia committee member Frank Johnson write a report calling on the NSW government to recognise the bridge's state significance.
Mr Johnson will lobby for the viaduct to be added to the state heritage register.
It mightn't see the viaduct made completely immune from demolition, but it could offer greater protection and buy some more time.
Mr Johnson believed there was a strong case for granting state heritage.
"It was certainly was instrumental in opening up the area," he said.
"It's very significant at almost half-a-kilometre long its position in the town providing backdrop to the showground make it a very visible part of Manilla.
"And most bridges are straight because that's the easiest way to construct and maintain one ... Manilla does have that added nice, sweeping curve."
The curve in the bridge adds weight to Manilla's case from engineering and aesthetic perspectives.
While the region's earlier bid for a rail trail was met with hostile opposition from some parts of the community, Rail Trails for NSW chairman John Moore said the state was missing out and falling behind the rest of the world.
"Every conceivable objection has been solved," he said.
"Failing to pursue these trails is costing NSW a lot of money; the lines are sitting there and not bringing revenue into the localities or the state."
Mr Moore recently showed the community what a revamped viaduct could look like, drawing on inspiration from the New York High Line.