The Turners Flat Bridge in the Kempsey Shire is about to be replaced at a cost of $1,995,615 but locals say it needs to be raised as well.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bridge is among four bridges in Cowper to receive funding as part of round three of the Federal Government's Bridges Renewal Program.
Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker consulted the community to identify aging bridges in the region where connectivity could be improved by a replacement.
"The four bridges will deliver widened lanes and also replace timber bridges with two lane steel and concrete bridges – extending their useful life by up to 100 years," Mr Hartsuyker said.
"These improved conditions will mean a safer journey for residents and local truck drivers.
"It's a great outcome for our region."
Ian McGoldrick, who lives on Willi Willi Rd and uses the bridge at least twice a day, welcomes the update of the bridge but says the bridge must be increased in height to reduce the impact of flooding.
"I hope they're going to make it higher so it's less susceptible to flooding, Mr McGoldrick said.
Every time it floods the Turner Flat bridge is inundated and motorists are unable to cross, forcing Mr McGoldrick and the other fifty plus households that the road services to backtrack to Sherwood bridge or commute via South Kempsey.
"Every time we get a decent flood it's like that," he said.
"If they lift the height of the bridge even 500mm it would make a difference, or even a bit more.”