Simes Bridge is open to the public again, delivering a safer and more flood-resilient connection for the Whian Whian community after years of recovery work following the 2022 floods.
The $3.6 million project on Whian Whian Road was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and delivered as part of Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio in partnership with specialist contractor MJ Smith Group.
What began as emergency repair works in the aftermath of the 2022 floods has now become a permanent, long-term solution. Crews undertook extensive reconstruction of the flood-damaged western support structure, installing new concrete foundations, rebuilding the permanent abutment and enhancing scour protection to improve the bridge’s resilience to future flood events.
Simes Bridge is the only road access for Whian Whian, relied on daily by residents travelling to work, school and appointments, as well as visitors and emergency services. Keeping that connection open throughout construction was a key priority, and crews adopted a staged construction approach, installing a temporary bridge structure over the damaged western support so vehicles could keep crossing while the complex restoration work was carried out beneath and around it. Just two overnight closures were required to install and later remove the temporary structure, minimising disruption for the community.
Lismore City Council Flood Restoration Portfolio Executive Director Charlotte Foy said the project reflected the inventive approach being taken across the portfolio.
“This project shows the inventive approaches we’re using across the Flood Restoration Portfolio to restore critical infrastructure while minimising disruption wherever possible,” Ms Foy said.
“Every site presents its own challenges, and, in this case, it wasn’t just about rebuilding infrastructure, it was about maintaining a vital connection for an entire community while that work took place.
“We’re proud to hand back a stronger bridge that will serve the community well into the future.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the reopening was another milestone in the region’s long recovery.
“The reopening of Simes Bridge is fantastic news for the Whian Whian community and another important milestone in the ongoing recovery from the devastating 2022 floods,” Minister McBain said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to helping communities recover and rebuild stronger after disasters, which is why we are investing in infrastructure that not only restores critical connections but improves resilience for the future.
“Simes Bridge is a vital access route for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency services, and will now help this community stay connected and better withstand future severe weather events.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the impacts of losing access to infrastructure like Simes Bridge had been extensive.
“When critical infrastructure like Simes Bridge is inaccessible, the impacts are extensive, from isolating communities and disrupting businesses and day to day life, to impacting emergency services and delaying essential travel,” Minister Saffin said.
“Projects like this vital upgrade are about more than just rebuilding what was there before, but delivering more resilient infrastructure that keeps people connected when it matters most.
“The completion of Simes Bridge is a significant win for local safety, connection, and the long-term endurance of the Lismore community.”
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