New Charleyong Bridge expected to be open early march

The work will be accelerated under the NSW Government's Bridges for the Bush Program.

Transport for NSW regional director southern, Jo Parrott, saying extra construction resources had been allocated to get the new bridge open as soon as possible after it was determined the existing timber truss bridge was extensively damaged.

"Safety is the main priority but Transport for NSW is committed to keeping the region moving, so this project is being fast-tracked," Ms Parrott said.

"It is expected motorists will be using the new bridge by early March, weather permitting, which is months ahead of schedule."

Once completed, road users can expect a safer journey with wider lanes on the bridge and new sealed road approaches.

The new bridge will also cater for higher mass limit vehicles.

The existing timber bridge is unsafe for vehicle or pedestrian access due to recent structural damage and will remain closed.

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"Detailed inspections of the bridge and specialist advice revealed that temporary repairs of the bridge would take up to eight weeks, by which time the new bridge will already be open to traffic," Ms Parrott said.

"The project team will consult key stakeholders in the coming months to further develop the heritage interpretation strategy."

Work will continue on the new bridge and road approaches for several months following the opening of the bridge to traffic with a 40 km/h reduced speed limit, lane closures and intermittent delays in place.

Demolition of the existing timber bridge is expected to start in mid-2020 and the community will be updated in advance of this work.

Nerriga Road will remain closed between Braidwood and Oallen Road until the new bridge is open to traffic.

The primary detour route (vehicles under 15 tonnes) is via Oallen Road, Sandy Point Road, Cullala Road, Lumley Road, Braidwood Road and Kings Highway, adding 35 minutes to travel times.

Heavy vehicles should use the Kings Highway or other approved routes depending on their load limit restriction and their origin and destination.