‘Looking to the future’ will be the theme of community consultation for the MidCoast Council team, who will undertake discussions with Wingham locals over coming weeks on replacement options for the Cedar Party Creek Bridge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Design options will be put forward for consideration by the local community in a consultation phase that will roll-out over the next six to eight weeks.
Providing a key route into and out of Wingham since the early 1960’s, the timber bridge, its age and condition, have been the subject of ongoing discussions for many years.
Recognising that the current structure is nearing the end of its serviceable life, engineers at MidCoast Council have undertaken a comprehensive program of investigation and feasibility studies focusing on replacing the bridge.
The $350,000 project has been funded by the NSW Government through the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program.
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the NSW Government was very proud to support this project, as it would help eliminate connectivity constraints in and around Wingham.
“We are dedicated to funding infrastructure projects that create better connections between local roads and state highways and key freight hubs,” Mr Bromhead said.
“This bridge upgrade will make a real difference to the productivity of local freight businesses and stimulate growth for the Wingham economy.”
MidCoast Council manager, projects and engineering, Phil Miles, said the current bridge is not only susceptible to flooding, but it is bounded on the Taree side by a level railway crossing, and on the Wingham side by a complex intersection which can be confusing for motorists, and often difficult to negotiate by heavy vehicles.
“It’s not often that you get an opportunity to resolve such a range of issues and, considering the bridge also serves as Wingham’s town entry, it’s critical we work together with the community to review the options that are under consideration,” he said.
During March, council is partnering with a pre-consultation reference group made up of representatives from a range of Wingham business and interest groups to help guide the broader consultation process.
“Based on our work with the reference group, community consultation will be undertaken during April where we’re hoping to gauge input from as many Wingham locals and users of the bridge as possible,” Phil said.
“While the current bridge can continue to be maintained for now, albeit at a cost, this is an important step in planning for the future. This is a process we encourage everyone to be a part of,” Phil said.
Details of where, when and how to be involved in the future of the Cedar Party Creek Bridge will be announced in coming weeks.
The investigation and design for the Cedar Party Creek Bridge replacement project is part of MidCoast Council’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure across the region.