The replacement of two new bridges in New South Wales’ Kyogle and Lismore districts will better prepare the regions for natural disasters, while expanding freight services.
In Kyogle, a new more resilient Cedar Point Bridge replaced an existing 83-year-old concrete structure that had been subject to a 20t load limit for the past twenty years.
The $2.6 million Cedar Point Bridge project received $2.1 million from the New South Wales Government’s Fixing Country Roads program, in addition to a $300,000 investment from Kyogle Council and an in-kind contribution of materials worth $212,000 from Grahams Quarry.
In Lismore, a new Keerrong Road Bridge was officially opened, replacing a flood-damaged culvert that washed away in flooding earlier this year.
The $517,000 project was jointly funded by the New South Wales and Federal Governments under Disaster Assistance Arrangements for the March 2022 flood event.
Speaking in Kyogle, New South Wales’ Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the new bridge would better withstand future flooding, while increasing freight efficiencies.
“Today we’ve unveiled a brand new bridge which will be able to better withstand future weather events and support the region for years to come,” Mr Farraway said.
“Further efficiencies will be realised for local freight including diverting timber, dairy and agricultural products away from the Omagh Road route, saving truck drivers a 10km detour.
“The project supported 20 local jobs over the three months construction was carried out, including five full-time positions.
“This new larger single span concrete structure, founded on steel driven piles, has been designed and constructed to achieve a 100-year design life while improving flood immunity and safety for local farmers and truck drivers.”
Lismore Mayor, Steve Krieg, said the new Keerong Bridge would once again allow access and connectivity for the region, while offering greater resilience during flood events.
“The new bridge will ensure our farmers can get their produce to markets and improves the connectivity across our whole local government area,” Cr Krieg said.
“Importantly, Council has ‘built back better’ by improving the resilience of the bridge to flooding.”
