North Bourke Bridge closed to pedestrians

Bourke Council has closed the old North Bourke Bridge to pedestrians, citing safety reasons.

After an inspection in May the bridge was officially closed immediately due to concerns about the safety of some sections of the bridge and hand rails.

The old North Bourke Bridge is an icon of Bourke and possibly the most photographed local landmark.

Originally opened in 1883 the bridge was built at the height of the river boat trade when the main mode of transport for Western NSW and the Riverina was some 200 paddle boats operating the Murray-Darling.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald. Photo: TWH