Building back better with Fernside Bridge

THE newly reopened Fernside Bridge in Lismore was officially opened to traffic last week.

The original three-span timber bridge, built in 1961, was subject to a weight restriction due to its poor condition.

The new 26m single-span concrete bridge has been designed and constructed to the latest standards, and the $1.6 million project employed more than 30 local subcontractors, suppliers and local workers.

Mayor Steve Krieg opened the bridge alongside Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and said the bridge was a vital link for the residents of Fernside Road, providing their only access in and out.

“Importantly, council has ‘built back better’ by improving the resilience of the bridge to flooding by raising the deck level,” Krieg said.

“This greatly improves the resilience of the bridge to future flooding and reduces the likelihood of members of our community becoming isolated.

“It also ensures our farmers can get their produce to markets and improves the connectivity across our whole local government area.”

Saffin said by investing in modern, resilient infrastructure like the Fernside Bridge, the NSW Government was building for the future.

“This project ensures safe connections stay open for residents, farmers and businesses,” Saffin said.

“It was great to have locals involved in construction and shows what can be achieved when state and local governments work together.”

Three other bridges have also been recently opened to traffic, including Town Bridge on Town Road in Terania Creek, Boomerang Creek Bridge on Rosebank Road in Rosebank, and Hensen Bridge on Hensen Road in Nimbin.

The projects were delivered for $2.4 million, $1.6 million and $626,645 respectively.

The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program and Lismore City Council jointly funded the four new bridges.