Rehabilitation works on the Dunbogan Bridge are set prolong the bridge's life by an additional 50 years and ensure it can withstand a potential flood event.
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The project costs $5 million, with $3.5 million from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and $1.5 million from the Australia Government through its Bridges Renewal Program.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council staff, Federal Member for Lyne David Gillespie and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson were at the Dunbogan Bridge on Wednesday, July 26.
They announced the bridge works will start at the end of August.
Cr Pinson said the bridge was the 'lifeblood' of the area and provided vital access to many of the beautiful locations of the Camden Haven.
Federal Member for Lyne David Gillespie said the works are necessary to address the growing population in the region.
He said at the moment about 4000 vehicles cross the bridge every day.
Council Transport and Stormwater Network acting group manager Cam Hawkins said the work would involve repairing the bridge's 36 pylons and will involve divers to carry out the project.
The Dunbogan Bridge was built in 1967 and council director Dan Bylsma said its existing piers are in poor condition and further deterioration is likely to impact on local residents, businesses and visitors.
Mr Bylsma said during the works boating access under the bridge will be permitted but the Dunbogan Bridge boat ramp will be closed to the public.
Council is encouraging people to use the newly opened Dunbogan boat ramp, or others in the Camden Haven.
Traffic control will be in place on the road during the works, while pedestrian access across the bridge will remain open.
Work will be carried out from Monday to Saturday, beginning late August. It is set to be completed before the Christmas period, weather dependent.
In 2018 council awarded the construction contract to Duratec Australia to carry out the works.
For more information please visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au or call 6581 8111.