The cross bracing enables the bridge to cope with heavier vehicles such as semi trailers and B-doubles.

The Rocket Street bridge is made out of wrought iron and was built in 1888, making it more than 120 years old.

There is no historical record of the bridge’s name. 

A Transport for NSW spokesman said the bridge was damaged in August by a vehicle that was too high to clear its arches.

The overhead steel beams were bent by the oversized truck and, as a result, needed to be removed and repaired.

Contractors were sent to the site to conduct a structural assessment, and a reduced load limit has been in force for safety reasons.

A 30-tonne load limit was placed on the bridge and signage to alert heavy vehicle drivers of the height restrictions on the bridge was displayed on both approaches, as well as on the bridge itself.

The normal operating load limit for the bridge is 42.5 tonnes for heavy vehicles, including semi trailers, and 62.5 tonnes for B-doubles.

“While the work takes place, the bridge will remain closed, however, alternative arrangements have been put in place for traffic and pedestrians,” the spokesperson said.

With the bridge closed, traffic has been diverted along Lloyds Road or Russell Street into Bathurst.

The closure will no doubt put an added financial strain on businesses in the area.

Last time the bridge was closed Metro Petroleum Bathurst manager Cheleen Koekemoer said the number of customers at her Rocket Street service station was reduced.

Around six staff from John Holland Rail are currently working on the bridge.

“John Holland Rail is making every effort to minimise the impact of the work on the local community by completing the work as quickly as possible,” the Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

Once repair work is complete, the normal operating load limit for the bridge will be restored: 45.5 tonnes for heavy vehicles, including semi-trailers, and 68 tonnes for B-doubles.