Glen Innes Severn Council has completed the replacement of five timber bridges in the region, as part of works funded under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges (FCB) Program and the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.
The $5.87 million project included $4.7 million from the FCB Program and $1.17 million from the Bridges Renewal Program. The works were carried out over three years and aimed to improve road safety, connectivity, and flood resilience for local communities.
The bridges replaced include the Mann River Bridges on Mount Mitchell Road and Shannon Vale Road, Yarrow Creek Bridge on Mount Mitchell Road, Furracabad Creek Bridge, and the Wentworth Street Bridge over Rocky Ponds Creek. All five structures had reached the end of their serviceable life and were replaced with concrete bridges built to Australian Standards.
Glen Innes Severn Council led the works, with most construction completed using internal resources and local contractors.
Mayor Margot Davis acknowledged the local effort involved in delivering the upgrades.
“The five bridges were successfully delivered almost entirely with internal resources and local expertise. These five bridges represent a major achievement in strengthening the region’s transport network, ensuring communities stay connected and better equipped,” she said.
She also noted Council’s recognition in June 2024, when it received the Asset and Infrastructure Award for the construction of Yarrow Creek Bridge.
“The award highlighted the successful delivery of the project, as well as the upskilling of Council staff to complete complex infrastructure works internally, alongside local contractors,” Cr Davis said.
The new bridges, now higher and wider than their predecessors, feature realigned road approaches to enhance safety and improve flood mitigation. Several of the old timber bridges had load restrictions due to structural issues, which resulted in long detours for heavy vehicles. The concrete replacements now accommodate high productivity vehicles, improving access for local primary producers.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the upgrades form part of a broader statewide program to replace ageing infrastructure.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our regional communities have access to the infrastructure they need and deserve. The completion of this project is a huge win for this community, who will benefit from better connectivity and safety following the completion of these bridge upgrades,” she said.
The Fixing Country Bridges Program is supporting the replacement of approximately 500 timber bridges across 58 council areas in New South Wales.
Glen Innes Severn Council was one of only eight councils nominated for a Local Government Excellence Award at the 2024 NSW Local Government Awards.
