Lismore’s new Mayor opens bridge at Keerrong

At his first official gig as Lismore City Mayor, Steve Krieg joined State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin to a ribbon-cutting on the new Dudgeon Bridge at Keerrong, which was replaced due to safety issues.

The aging wooden bridge on Dudgeon Road Keerring will now service a farm in danger of being stranded, with a new 12.1m x 4.8m single-span concrete structure. This new structure founded on steel driven piles has been designed and constructed to achieve a 100-year design life while improving its flood immunity and safety for drivers.

Funded by the State Government, the bridge is the second of ten aging wooden bridges Council is replacing thanks to a $11 million grant.

‘This is great news for our community,’ said Mr Krieg. ‘The new bridge will ensure that our farmers can get their produce to markets and improves the connectivity across our whole Local Government Area.

Mayor Krieg said that the previous Council had recently applied for a further $7.6 million in grants under Round 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges program to replace the remaining eight timber bridges in the Local Government Area.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program was well-targeted, delivering essential infrastructure across the Lismore City Local Government Area.

‘Dudgeon Bridge in Keerrong is a good example of this program in action; completely rebuilding an old bridge, making our local roads safer, and keeping rural communities connected,’ she said.

‘I have consistently lobbied relevant Ministers on behalf of Lismore City Council for our fair share of road and bridge funding, and will continue to do so into next year.’

The new concrete single-lane bridge removes the existing load limits and restores vital access route for the community.

Replacing bridge 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.

This project has helped support 20 local jobs over the three months construction was carried out, including five full-time positions.

Council, and our Bridge crew, would like to thank the owners of the surrounding properties for their patience and understanding during construction.

‘Bridges are about access,’ said Ms Saffin. ‘You can’t have people living in the country who can’t have access where they feel safe.

This is the second bridge to be completed under the scheme – there are eight to go.