Bombala and Cathcart residents have a simple message for the NSW government when it comes to replacing the iconic Crankies Plain Bridge - build a new bridge that meets B double standards and leave the current bridge as a historical attraction.

Transport for NSW representatives will visit Bombala next week for a series of community consultation sessions to discuss plans for the bridge crossing the Coolumbooka River.

Transport for NSW is planning to rebuild the historically significant Crankies Plain Bridge, Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.

“While the crossing is safe and operational, early investigations have been underway in collaboration with Heritage NSW to develop a program of work that will meet heritage requirements and maintain access for the community,” Mr Whan said.

“Three detour options have been investigated - the upgrade of Crankies Plain Road, a temporary bridge and an upgrade to Black Lake Road. Black Lake Road is Transport’s preferred option.”

The majority of residents living near the bridge believe building a new bridge that meets B double and double weight limits and leaving the Coolumbooka structure as an attraction is the simplest and most practical step forward.

A drop-in-session will be held on Tuesday, 25 November at the Bombala Community Centre between 4pm and 7pm, while pop-up stalls will be held at the Bombala and District markets on Saturday, 22 November between 10am and 4pm and near IGA between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday, 26 November.

There are community concerns a new bridge would not meet the weight requirements for the many trucks heading between Bombala, Cathcart and the Far South Coast.