A major milestone has been reached on Tamworth’s Skywalk project, with the installation of a new bridge across Scenic Road bringing the long-awaited attraction closer to completion.
The bridge, installed over the past two weeks, will connect sections of the elevated boardwalk above and below Scenic Road, allowing safe passage for visitors while offering a new lookout point over the surrounding landscape.
Tamworth Regional Council said the installation also included new stairs linking the boardwalk to Scenic Road, forming a key part of the overall Skywalk experience.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project marks an important investment in regional tourism.
“The NSW Government is proud to invest in projects that showcase the natural beauty of our regions while supporting local communities,” Minister Moriarty said.
“The Skywalk is great example of how targeted infrastructure investment can deliver lasting impacts by boosting tourism, encouraging outdoor activity and enhancing the liveability of our regional centres.”
The new bridge will be accessible from the top of the Skywalk via Oxley Scenic Lookout, ensuring access for people with reduced mobility, including those using wheelchairs or prams.
Project Engineer Lachlan Mackiewicz said the milestone reflects extensive planning and coordination.
“Getting to this milestone has involved a significant amount of work in the planning and design stages to ensure the structure can be safely delivered and integrated into the surrounding landscape,” he said.
“Projects of this scale require careful coordination between Council’s project team, the head contractor, sub-contractors and other Council Departments to make sure this installation goes as smoothly as possible.”
The bridge and stairs were fabricated off-site before being transported and lifted into place by crane, requiring temporary closures of Scenic Road, the lookout and nearby walking trails during installation works.
FORGE Head of Construction Robert Antonios said the milestone was the result of months of detailed work.
“Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to FORGE’s disciplined approach and the collaborative spirit of everyone involved, allowing us to deliver both precisely and safely, and pleasingly, just ahead of schedule,” he said.
“I want to extend a sincere thank you to the project teams at Tamworth Regional Council and the dedicated FORGE design and construction teams for their tireless and uncompromising efforts in achieving this special milestone.”
Deputy Mayor Jeff Budd said the completed Skywalk will provide a unique space for both locals and visitors.
“The Skywalk will offer something truly special for our community and for those visiting the region,” Cr Budd said.
“It will be a place where families and friends can spend time together, where sporting groups can incorporate the steps into their training, and where people can simply enjoy getting outdoors and being active in nature.”
“While the Skywalk itself will be free to access, we know that visitors who come to experience it will also support local businesses while they’re here, which provides a valuable boost for our regional economy.”
The project is being delivered with $14.3 million in funding from the NSW Government and is expected to become a major drawcard for the region once complete.
Scenic Road is set to return to normal opening hours from 6pm on Friday 27 March.
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