The Albanese Government has chipped in $3.8 million to replace Summervilles Creek Bridge and Summervilles Bridge on Summervilles Road.
The two bridges are pinch points for traffic on the Waterfall Way detour and have been the site of several minor accidents since the Gordonville Cutting landslip on January 19.
The more than $4.9 million project will be funded in partnership with Bellingen Shire Council and will replace the two timber bridges with reinforced concrete structures. Additionally, three kilometres of the existing six-metre-wide unsealed road will be rehabilitated and sealed with bitumen.
The Bellingen Shire Council and the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce have been advocating for Federal Government support to help fix the Waterfall Way disaster. The funding announcement from Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, is timely but not related to the Waterfall Way landslip that occurred on 19 January.
“I want to make it clear that Council’s application for this funding was lodged prior to the current landslip at Gordonville Cutting,” Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan said.
“While the recent event has further highlighted the importance of this corridor, this investment has been in progress for some time – and it is very warmly welcomed.
“This funding is an important step forward. However, the full upgrade required along the Summervilles Road / Gordonville Road route will require cooperation and commitment from all three tiers of government.
“Delivering a resilient, long-term solution for our community is something we will continue to strongly advocate for.”
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