New Bridge for Crossmaglen Valley

A brand new concrete bridge connecting Crossmaglen Valley with its neighbours in Bonville was officially opened today in Coffs Harbour.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Bardens Bridge project was an example of how local communities continue to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

“This new bridge will provide enhanced access for the Crossmaglen community and demonstrates the success of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program,” Mr McCormack said.

“The old timber structure has now been replaced with a superior single span, two-lane concrete bridge in a big win for the local community.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the bridge was crucial for residents and agricultural businesses in the area.

“Bardens Bridge, which crosses Bonville Creek, is on Crossmaglen Road and is the only access in and out of the Crossmaglen Valley for residents and Crossmaglen Public School,” Mrs Pavey said.

“In addition to school buses, milk tankers and other heavy vehicles need to cross the bridge several times a day and will now be able to do so more safely and efficiently.”

The Nationals’ Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said the new bridge was much safer.

“The new Bardens Bridge will help improve road safety for the local community and school students,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The $450,000 Bardens Bridge Replacement was jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, with the Australian Government committing $225,000 and the Coffs Harbour City Council contributing $225,000 from its Bridge Capital Works Program”.

Coffs Harbour Nationals’ MP Andrew Fraser said the bridge was built by a local business in a win for local jobs.

“The design and supply of the precast concrete bridge components was undertaken by Waeger Constructions Pty Ltd and the bridge demolition and construction works were undertaken by the Coffs Harbour City Council’s coastal works business unit,” Mr Fraser said.

“The old timber bridge had been identified as being at the end of its useful life and a weight limit of 30 tonnes for semi-trailers had been imposed due to the bridge’s condition.”

Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Denise Knight said she was pleased to see a vital piece of infrastructure renewed for the generations to come.

“Bardens Bridge is not on one of the busiest roads in the Coffs Harbour local government area, but it is an important link for locals and businesses in the Crossmaglen Valley,” Cr Knight said.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to provide a brand new bridge for the community with the support of the Australian Government.”

Work on the new bridge began in March 2018 and was completed in September 2018.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Luke Hartsuyker MP and the Mayor chat to Crossmaglen Public School students after opening Bardens Bridge.