Retention, relocation and even demolition are on the table as public opinion is sought on the future of the historic Nowra Bridge.
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Known as the gateway to the South Coast, the 342-metre bridge was completed in 1881, initially built for a double track railway which never eventuated.
The rail line ended at Bomaderry but the bridge would go on to play a significant role in the development of the Illawarra and South Coast districts.
A second Shoalhaven River crossing was constructed in 1980 for northbound traffic and planning is now under way for a third river crossing which will remove highway traffic from the old Nowra Bridge.
The NSW government initially invested $1.6 million in investigations for a third crossing, to be built west of the existing bridges, with the federal government committing $10 million to complete planning and design.
During the next two months Roads and Maritime Services will be holding information displays at a number of events in the Nowra area to talk to the community about possible outcomes and ideas for the old bridge, starting at this weekend's Shoalhaven River Festival.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said feedback collected would be one of several factors guiding the proposal for the future of the bridge.
Other factors to be considered include the heritage value of the bridge and the costs and feasibility of options.
According to the RMS heritage and conservation register, the Nowra Bridge was designed by a famous American civil engineer and specialist bridge engineer, C. Shaler Smith for the Edge Moor Iron Co.
"The bridge is the only American pin-jointed Whipple truss in service in NSW ... there are eight main spans supported on eight pairs of cast iron cylindrical piers and a steel girder approach span at one end," the register states.
"The eight trusses of the bridge follow the American practice of being tall through trusses with overhead bracing above the traffic and of using large pins at the joints.
"Also unique was the use of steel, imported from the USA, some 14 years ahead of its general use in NSW."
Community feedback on the bridge can be provided at the displays, by post to PO Box 477, Wollongong, NSW 2500, email NowraBridgeProject@rms.nsw.gov.au or an online survey is available at rms.nsw.gov.au/nowrabridge.
A proposal for the bridge's future is expected to be available for community comment in the first half of 2015.