A new $2.45 million bridge over Hollingsworth Creek will provide an alternative route to the South Lismore Industrial Estate for heavy vehicles, commuters and shoppers.
The bridge, which links Wilson Street to Wilson Street South, will be open to the public by Christmas once the finishing touches to the bridge approaches are completed.
The bridge is 36 metres long, 13 metres wide, has a four-metre clearance of Hollingsworth Creek, and 200 metres of new road.
It was funded with $875,000 from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, a special purpose grant of $875,000 from the NSW Government and $700,000 from Lismore City Council.
Lismore mayor Isaac Smith said building the bridge had been ‘a mammoth effort’ by the bridge building crew.
‘Their hard work and tenacity has ensured the new bridge will be open just in time for Christmas,’ Cr Smith said.
‘This is a great gift for all Lismore residents.
‘The South Lismore Industrial Estate is a key area generating heavy vehicle and freight movements through Lismore but is bisected by Hollingworth Creek.
‘The Bruxner Highway is the main connection however a significant pinch point exists where the highway is reduced from four lanes to two lanes at the Hollingworth Creek bridge.
‘The Wilson Street Bridge and link road should go some way to alleviating this problem and provide an alternative evacuation route during flood.
‘The project will also cater for future traffic demand as the industrial estate grows.’
The bridge was officially opened this week by NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay, Lismore mayor Isaac Smith, Page MP Kevin Hogan and Lismore MP Thomas George.