The iron lattice structure’s future had been in doubt with the upgrading of the crossing to cope with double-stacked wagons as part of the Inland Rail project.

However, the Australian Rail Track Corporation has deemed it feasible to keep the bridge with modifications and on Monday afternoon publicly showed off its plan in Albury.

ARTC project design manager Linton Gloster told of the alterations to the 1883-84 landmark while manning a stand at QEII Square.

“We’re modifying the existing bridge, lifting the upper bracing that supports the trusses and moving the standard gauge track out to get the clearance to the steel trusses,” Mr Gloster said.

The raising of the bracing by 1.9 metres will give clearance for double-stacked containters.

“Through early discussions with the (Albury) council we talked about options of retaining the structure or building a new bridge and the preference was to try and retain it and we’ve done the structural assessment work to prove it can be done,” Mr Gloster said.

He said removing the upper bracing altogether to allow for the higher trains would result in the collapse of the trusses.

The Melbourne-based Mr Gloster gave a briefing to Albury and District Historical Society members as part of his visit.

The society’s president Greg Ryan lauded the saving of the state heritage-listed bridge which was shipped in parts to Australia after being formed in England.

“I think it’s critically important we keep the bridge,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s part of our heritage, it’s iconic and even more so now you can see it from the (Hume) highway.”

Mr Gloster said the bridge was the main focus of visitors to the ARTC stand and “so it should be because it’s a major asset in the area”.

He said the span would not need to be strengthened despite having to carry double-stacked containers.

“Shipping containers can’t be loaded too heavily to comply with truck requirements,” Mr Gloster said, adding lighter items such as toilet paper and electronic tended to be carried in the upper chamber.

The Albury work also involves replacing the station footbridge and lowering track at Borella and Wagga roads.