Work to replace the single-lane timber Bungabbee Bridge at Bentley is now complete, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, farmers and truck drivers.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the new concrete single-lane bridge will remove the existing load limits, allowing heavy vehicles to cross Back Creek and restoring a vital access route for the community.
“The load limit has been detrimental to the families along this road as they have had no heavy vehicle access,” Mr Hogan said.
“I secured $300,000 to put towards this project, and the completion is terrific news for the community.”
“This project has helped support 20 jobs over the nine months while work was carried out, including five full-time positions.”
New South Wales Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the NSW Government contributed $300,000 to the Bungabbee Bridge project as part of the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program, which is replacing 96 ageing timber bridges in the Lismore electorate to better connect the region, with one of these already opened to traffic and construction underway on three more new bridges.
“Replacing crossings means improved community connections to schools, towns, hospitals, and jobs, as well as better access for emergency service vehicles, easier movement of freight and safer journeys,” Mr Franklin said.
“Farmers in this region have recently had to diversify to survive drought, increasing the need for heavy vehicle use, so we’re pleased to have helped deliver a safer and more reliable structure that will last for many years.
“These are bridges delivered by councils that we have fast-tracked into construction to help councils create and support jobs in their areas, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected.”
Lismore City Mayor Vanessa Ekins said the new bridge will help connect the community and would greatly benefit farmers who need to get their produce to market.
“It’s good to see the new bridge complete. It is one of ten aging bridges that we are now replacing across the Lismore Local Government Area thanks to Government grants,” Ms Ekins said.
“Even though I am sad to see the old timber bridges go, as they have so much history and character, these bridges are important access routes for local farming families and link our villages to allow residents to easily and safely travel to their jobs, schools and hospitals.”
For more information on the Bridges Renewal Program, please visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/bridges-renewal-program.aspx.
For more information on the Fixing Country Bridges program, please visit nswroads.work/fixingcountrybridges.
