The northwestern entrance to Lismore will be having important structural repairs and painting done over the next 12 months.
Essential maintenance work started yesterday on Fawcett Bridge to provide a safer, stronger and longer lasting structure.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) are carrying out the work which will involve repairing corroded steel elements, repairing damaged guardrail and sandblasting and painting all steel elements.
Work has started and and will take 12 months to complete, weather permitting. Work will take place between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.
About 16 car parks in Glasgow Lane under Fawcett Bridge will be closed during periods of the work to allow access and containment for the blasting work. Access in and out of the car park will be maintained at all times.
The work will involve the use of machinery which will generate some noise. The RMS say they will make every effort to minimise noise by turning machinery off when not in use and positioning machinery away from residential areas where possible.
Access to properties in the area will be maintained at all times, and full vehicle and pedestrian access to the bridge will be maintained during this time.
There will be minimal impacts to traffic during the project as most of the work will be carried out under the bridge. Traffic may be reduced to one lane, alternate flow at times during the project establishment phase.
This is required to allow the RMS to set up paint blasting equipment on the walkway. Lane closures will be required again towards the end of the project when they will need to paint lamp posts and replace guardrails.
Closures will be planned to take place outside peak traffic periods.
Any lane closures will be determined in consultation with Lismore City Council and the community notified.
A reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists. Motorists are advised to plan their journey, allow extra travel time and follow all directions and signs.
If you have any questions, please contact the RMS Project Manager, Warren Martin on (02) 6642 9918 or [email protected].
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
