Haulage restrictions and single lane traffic will soon be a thing of the past thanks to over $2.2 million from the NSW Government to replace the ageing Pearces Creek Bridge.
Work on a new bridge will begin within 12 months to deliver safer journeys for all road users.
Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said this would make a huge difference to haulage and transport vehicles, school buses and anyone driving across the Creek.
“Pearces Creek Bridge has served the community well for many years, but it has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a modern, stronger structure that meets the needs of today’s road users,” Mr Franklin said.
“This road is a key connecting point between the Lismore and Ballina shires that is used every day by families, freight workers and tourists and they will soon be able to cross the Creek without loading restrictions.
“Ballina Shire Council has worked incredibly hard with both state and federal Governments to secure funding for a new bridge and I am thrilled to announce over $2.2 million to help make this project happen.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government had accelerated funding for the program with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils in round one.
“That’s hundreds of fast-tracked projects that will start across the state in the next 12 months, helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” Mr Toole said.
Ballina Shire Council Mayor David Wright said the Council is delighted to receive $2.24 million from the NSW Government via the Fixing Country Bridges Program.
“Pearces Creek Bridge is an important transport link for our community connecting two shires (Lismore and Ballina), schools, businesses, as well as residents,” Cr Wright said.
“The project will improve safety for road users, reduce maintenance costs and reinstate the bridge from one lane to two lanes.
“The total project cost is over $4m, and Ballina Shire Council has been fortunate enough to receive federal and state funding for this important community asset.”
102 bridges throughout Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Kyogle and Tenterfield shires have received funding to replace timber bridges in the area and this is almost a quarter of all projects to be funded in round one across NSW.
This funding is part of the Fixing Country Bridges program which has dedicated over $500 million to supporting local councils across regional NSW replace aging timber bridges in their shire.
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