MOTORISTS, school children and farmers using Afterlee Road will now have a safer trip after the old wooden Christensens Bridge was replaced with a new steel truss bridge, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said.
“Kyogle Council asked me for help in funding the replacement of many of the shire’s old wooden bridges,” he said.
“Kyogle and Districts have one of the highest number of wooden bridges in the state and many are in disrepair and dangerous.
“I’ve secured Federal Government funding of more than $10 million to replace 20 of Kyogle’s 20 wooden bridges.
“It was great to officially open the latest bridge. This will not only improve safety for the school bus and motorists it will help farmers get their produce to market.
“The new Christensens Bridge cost $623,000 and was funded on a 50/50 basis by Kyogle Council and the Federal Government.
“The local council does not have the resources to replace these ageing bridges on its own. That is why I am happy that the Federal Government has provided assistance under our Bridges Renewal Programme.
Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the replacement of the bridge would enable producers to get their cattle or product to market, while emergency and heavier vehicles would have improved access.
“Council is committed to improving our road and bridge network and this bridge is the latest in a very ambitious works program,” she said.
