Four bridges will be replaced thanks to new funding from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, which will provide more reliable road connections and increase resilience to natural disasters.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said a total of $3.25 million would be provided to Central Coast Council to undertake the replacement work.
“The communities surrounding Maloneys Bridge and Yorkeys Bridge at Cedar Brush Creek, Little Jilliby Bridge at Little Jilliby and Fowler Road Bridge at Tuggerah will all benefit from this commitment,” Mr Crouch said.
“Replacing old timber bridges with safer, modern bridges that will better withstand flooding and natural disasters means improved road safety outcomes and decreased maintenance costs for ratepayers.
“In addition to easing the financial burden on Council, this funding will support local construction jobs at a time when they’re needed most.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government had accelerated funding for the Fixing Country Bridges program, with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils to replace 424 bridges in round one.
“That’s hundreds of fast-tracked projects that will start across the state in the next 12 months, helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” Mr Toole said.
Each bridge to be replaced is located on a Council-managed local road, are not of heritage significance, are not truss bridges, and are considered a priority asset to Council. A second round of new funding will be available later in 2021.