The replacement of the Middle Creek Bridge on Kungala Road has been completed.

The upgrading of aging timber bridge infrastructure is essential for keeping Clarence Valley communities connected.

Mayor Cr. Jim Simmons said the replacement of the single lane wooden bridge was great news for local road users.

“The new concrete bridge has two lanes and the road approaches have been widened and realigned to improve the overall safety and efficiency for all vehicles.”

“In addition, the new structure allows heavy vehicles to continue to use Kungala Road to travel between the Orara Way and the Pacific Highway.

 “Our communities have lost vital access during flood and bushfire and we are acutely aware of what we need to do to make our communities more resilient against future natural disasters.

“We welcome Australian Government funding from the Bridges Renewal Program Round 4 and Roads to Recovery which has enabled this project to go ahead.

“The funding was received from both programs to cover the $689,030 budget,” Cr Simmons said.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the bridge was decades old and was in need of replacement. “I was pleased to secure over $300,000 in funding to ensure this project could go ahead,” Mr Hogan said.

“This will greatly reduce ongoing maintenance costs and remove any need for load limits to be applied.”

Work is continuing on the Sherwood Creek Road Bridge which is expected to be completed by the end of December.