The $17 million Barrington bridge on Thunderbolts Way, offering a wider and safer crossing, opened in May. Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said the project was completed ahead of schedule, bringing on a new phase.

"The new bridge was completed ahead of schedule and ensures the traffic needs of the Barrington, Gloucester and surrounding communities will be met well into the future," Ms Zycki said.

"It's now time to move forward with plans to remove the old bridge, which will reduce environmental impacts and ongoing maintenance costs, and prevent safety risks from its future deterioration."

A review of environmental factors went on public exhibition in October last year, drawing a dozen submissions.

"Transport for NSW has prepared a submissions report summarising the feedback, which included comments around conserving existing timber bridge components, heritage interpretation of the old bridge and concerns regarding the social and economic impacts of removing a heritage item," Ms Zycki said.

"A plan for heritage interpretation of the old bridge at the site is being developed and would include installation of interpretive signage and display of bridge artefacts at the site."

The old bridge has been 3D mapped and captured through drone photography and laser scanning.

"Transport for NSW is also working with MidCoast Council and local community groups about the possibility of reusing some of the timbers to construct picnic facilities near the new bridge, and of distributing timber to local wood turners in the Gloucester and Barrington area," Ms Zycki said.