While work on replacing the Killick Creek footbridge in Crescent Head has progressed recently, the Oil Terminal Bridge at South West Rocks has proven significantly more challenging.
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The bridge, crossing Saltwater Creek, was closed last year primarily due to its unsafe condition and as a result of damage by vandals. Due to its environmentally sensitive wetlands location, Council has been required to navigate a complex approval process and undertake environmental studies in order to be able to replace the bridge.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Robert Scott said the bridge is unlike any other managed by Council.
"While we have a budget allocation and proposed design to replace the bridge its location is more environmentally sensitive than the other bridges that we have worked on over the last few years. This factor and competing priorities for the bridge team in recent months has delayed the replacement work significantly," Mr Scott said.
Earlier this year, flora and fauna studies were undertaken as part of the environmental assessment process. The draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is expected to go on public exhibition this week and submissions will be invited from members of the public.
“From the level of current feedback we expect that the project will draw widespread support from the community.”
The REF will be considered for determination in February 2017. Once final approval is granted, a firm timeframe for construction can be given to this priority project.
"While this isn't the only point of access to Main Beach, Council understands the delay has caused inconvenience and anger for the community,” Mr Scott said.
“Due to the complexities and delays of the approval process we have considered undertaking temporary repairs but unfortunately it just not viable or cost effective.”
Over the next fortnight, some sections of the bridge will be removed to make it safer for the community and to allow a pre-construction assessment of the existing foundations.