Tamworth Skywalk work on schedule
Skywalk project climbs towards completion
The Skywalk project has reached a significant construction milestone, with the installation of the bridge across Scenic Road and the stairs up to Scenic Road from the boardwalk below taking place over the past two weeks.
The bridge represents a key step in connecting sections of the Skywalk boardwalk above and below Scenic Road, allowing safe passage for users over Scenic Road, while also creating another incredible vantage point overlooking the surrounding landscape from the bridge lookout.
Residents and visitors who are less mobile or who use a wheelchair or pram will be able to access the bridge from the top of Skywalk, via the Oxley Scenic Lookout.
The bridge installation has required a full road, Lookout and walking trail closure between Sunday and Friday each week since 8 March to allow a safe working environment for contractors as they complete final assembly and place the bridge and lower stairs in position.
Tamworth Regional Council Project Engineer, Lachlan Mackiewicz, said reaching this stage of the project reflects extensive planning and coordination between Council and FORGE, the head contractor delivering the project.
“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 have been fabricated off site and transported to site where final assembly is completed and carefully lifted into place by the crane.
FORGE Head of Construction, Robert Antonios, said this installation is the culmination of months of meticulous, coordinated design, ensuring every stage from fabrication to final placement is executed seamlessly.
“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.”
Tamworth Region Deputy Mayor, Jeff Budd, said the project will provide a unique space for the community to connect while also strengthening the region’s appeal as a visitor destination. “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 Skywalk project is made possible thanks to $14.3M in funding from the NSW State Government.
Scenic Road will return to usual opening hours from 6pm Friday 27 March.