Ballina Shire Council and Lismore City Council have officially opened the new Pearces Creek Bridge.
The aging wooden bridge has been replaced with a two-lane, concrete structure that meets the needs of today’s road users.
The new bridge will improve safety for road users, reduce maintenance costs and has reinstated the bridge from one lane to two lanes.
This $5.24 million project has been funded by the NSW Government Fixing Country Bridges Program and the Federal Government Bridges Renewal Program.
The bridge borders the Lismore City and Ballina Shire local government areas and is a key connection in the local road network. Load limit restrictions previously introduced to preserve the aging timber bridge have now been removed.
Quotes attributed to Hon Jenny Aitchison, Member for Maitland, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:
The new Pearces Creek Bridge will provide more efficient heavy vehicles routes and improved safety outcomes for the broader community.
This road is a key connection point between the Lismore and Ballina shires that is used every day by families, freight workers and tourists and they are now able to cross the creek without load restrictions.
Quotes attributed to Ms Anna Watson, Member for Shellharbour, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads:
Eltham Road is an important local haulage route linking farming and rural industries to adjoining freight networks.
The NSW Government is committed to helping local councils invest in their rural road networks to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected.
Quotes attributed to Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor Ballina Shire Council:
The previous timber Pearces Creek Bridge served the community well for many years, but it reached the end of its life and was no longer meeting the needs of our local community.
Ballina Shire Council worked hard to secure $5.24 million from the federal and state governments to replace this important community asset.
Quotes attributed to Steve Krieg, Mayor Lismore City Council:
The new Pearces Creek Bridge has already greatly improved safety for heavy vehicles, school buses and motorists driving across the Creek.
The new bridge is a much more modern, stronger structure and is meeting the needs of today’s road users. It is a great example of Lismore and Ballina councils working together cooperatively in the interest of both of our communities.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au or telephone Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444.
