Twin bridges have been replaced at Deep Creek and Spring Gully at Tatham, located halfway between Coraki and Casino.
The federal Labor government said in a media release that the $18 million federally funded projected is is a ‘major upgrade to a key community link’.
The statement reads, ‘Richmond Valley Council managed the construction project under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP), administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded by the Australian Government.
‘The new bridges are 1.2 metres higher than their timber predecessors, providing a stronger and more resilient link for residents between Coraki and Casino during disasters.
‘Freight, tourism and the local sugar cane and livestock industries are also set to benefit from the upgrade. B-double trucks and other heavy vehicles rely on the bridges as part of a critical connection between the Summerland Way and Pacific Highway, and transport links to Southeast Queensland, especially in the aftermath of disasters.
‘It is one of 36 NRRRP projects across the region. So far, 22 projects have been completed, including the Dairy Flat drainage improvements and the Thearles Canal culvert installation, as well as Coraki and Woodburn Town Drains, South and East Lismore Town Drains and Dorothy Street Flood Pump Station.
‘The Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program was established in the wake of the devastating 2022 floods, helping to fund local projects that strengthen critical infrastructure and reduce future disaster risk’.
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. 
