Residents cut off from a direct route home for almost six years finally have their bridge back, with the new $3.3 million Montgomerys Bridge opening at Iron Pot Creek on Tuesday.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin joined Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland OAM to officially open the crossing, restoring access for Iron Pot Creek and Ghinni Ghi residents who have faced a 16-kilometre detour each way since the old bridge was closed for safety reasons in November 2020.
“This day has been a long time coming for local residents who have had to take a 16km detour each way since the old bridge was closed for safety reasons in November 2020,” Mayor Mulholland said.
“The bridge’s closure has been tough on residents and we want to acknowledge and thank them for their patience.
“And while this is a red letter day for them, it’s also a pretty big day for Council. The opening of Montgomerys Bridge marks the completion of our transformative $80 million Bridge Renewal Program.”
Over the past five years, Kyogle Council has replaced 110 ageing timber bridges across the local government area through a funding partnership with the Australian and NSW governments, transforming the region’s transport network.
“Now we can cross timber bridges off our list and crack on with roads, culverts and causeways, along with the many other projects we have in the works,” Mayor Mulholland said.
Ms Saffin said the bridge delivered one of her election commitments from March 2023, part of a larger $12 million pledge to Kyogle Council for the replacement of the council’s remaining 30 timber and composite bridges under the Minns Labor Government’s Regional Road Capital Fund.
“The $3.3-million bridge on Iron Pot Creek Road was part of a larger $12-million commitment to Kyogle Council towards the replacement of council’s remaining 30 timber and composite bridges under the Minns Labor Government’s Regional Road Capital Fund,” Ms Saffin said.
“This bridge renewal package was aimed at improving road safety and connectivity in rural areas and was flexible, allowing Council to direct the funding at legacy projects like the old Montgomerys Bridge which had been closed for safety reasons since November 2020.
“Restoring direct access for residents west of Iron Pot Creek must be a huge relief for them after the impost of a 16-kilometre detour each way for such a long time,” she said.
“Today is cause for community celebration and congratulations to Council’s crews who build bridges to last.”
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