Bangalow’s Byron Creek Bridge is now open to two lanes of traffic after seven months of major construction works, thanks to $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal program and a $1.4m investment from Council.
The impressive 45m long bridge features three spans with a wider central span for improved hydraulics during flood events, two 3.5m wide traffic lanes, 1.5m wide shoulders for cyclist safety and provision for a future shared path to improve access and safety.
“A huge thank you to the local community for their patience with the side track diversion as we’ve worked hard to get this bridge delivered through the challenging time that has been 2020,” Byron Shire Council’s Road and Bridge Engineer, Josh Provis said.
“This brand new bridge has some state of the art engineering, particularly in the foundations, which enabled us to reduce the amount of rock drilling and concrete required for the piles.
“More importantly the bridge provides excellent value for money, delivering increased safety for its users, better performance in flooding, reduced maintenance costs and a 100 + year lifespan.
“We are proud to have delivered this outstanding long-term asset for the community, not only on time but on budget as well,” Mr Provis said.
Finishing touches over the coming weeks will include line marking, guardrail installation, landscaping, rock protection works and removal of the side track and temporary bridge.
“Our work on the stretch of road that leads up to the bridge is also progressing well and completion is expected prior to Christmas,” Mr Provis said.
Road works and safety improvements on the adjacent 8km stretch of Bangalow Road, from the Pacific Highway to Broken Head Road, are also on track for commencement in January 2021 and will take 3 months to complete.
