Last week, an opening event was held on the new and improved Nowra Bridge.

The heritage-listed old Nowra Bridge crosses the Shoalhaven River and is the gateway to the NSW South Coast.

Historically, the bridge was completed in 1881 and is a rare example of a pin-jointed Whipple truss bridge.

Identified as a priority road infrastructure project, the project will include a new four lane bridge over the Shoalhaven River, upgraded intersections and additional lanes on the Princes Highway.

In particular, the new bridge will serve as a crossing for the northbound traffic, while enabling the existing northbound concrete bridge to be reserved for southbound traffic.

The older southbound bridge will be repurposed for use as a pedestrian and cycle path.

Valued at $342 million, the project is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments.