EMERGENCY evacuation and supply routes are set to improve near Tatham in the Northern Rivers with the replacement of two ageing wooden bridges by the end of this year.
Work has commenced on the $18 million project, which will see the two low-set bridges at Deep Creek and Spring Gully replaced, and the level of the road and bridges raised to bolster flood resilience.
The new bridges will better connect Coraki to Casino, improving evacuation and supply routes for the community and emergency services during times of disaster.
Fixing the bridges means there’s a key recovery route which is certified for B-double trucks, in times of flood.
It is one of 36 projects the NSW Reconstruction Authority is administering as part of the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP) which is fully funded by the Australian Government.
NRRRP projects aim to drive long-term resilience by delivering priority community supported projects that mitigate the impact of disasters on communities and economies in the region and ensure that they are in a better position to recover from future disasters.
Fifteen NRRRP projects are now complete including Dairy Flat Road Improvements and Thearles Canal Culvert Upgrade, Coogera Circuit Detention Basin, Coraki and Woodburn Town Drains, South and East Lismore Town Drains and Dorothy Street Flood Pump Station.
The bridges at Tatham are located on the Casino to Woodburn regional road which is key freight, tourism and agricultural link.
Richmond Valley Council has engaged a contractor to complete construction of the bridges which will improve flood immunity and provide better connections for Coraki’s residents to Casino.
Work includes vegetation clearing, earthworks, piling works, bridge construction, pavement and drainage, protection and relocation of existing services and landscaping.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
“The $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program represents the Albanese Government’s commitment to building back better, ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to withstand future disasters and recover quicker.
“The current bridges are vulnerable to disasters, which is why we are building them to a better standard, so in the event of a future disaster communities in the area can stay connected.
“These upgraded bridges will serve as a lifeline for the Tatham community, providing access for emergency services, essential supplies, and evacuation routes when they’re needed.
“Our Government is working with state and local governments to ensure that Northern Rivers’ communities are future-proofed to bounce back stronger after disaster by investing in flood-resilient infrastructures like these bridges.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
“The NSW Government is committed to making sure we do all we can to assist communities impacted by the 2022 floods.
“Works like these are critical to the livelihoods of locals and visitors to the region, and I commend Council on their efforts.
“This is a great example of three levels of government working together to improve safety and deliver better infrastructure across the Northern Rivers.
“Projects like the works being undertaken by the Australian and NSW Governments and Richmond Valley Council play a crucial role in local residents daily lives, and also gives communities across the Northern Rivers peace of mind in the future.”
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