Roads and Maritime Services is giving the public a chance to walk across the Raleigh Bridge on Saturday before it is opened to traffic, following a $3.3 million facelift.
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A Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the heritage-listed bridge crossing the Bellinger River between the villages of Raleigh and Repton first opened in 1935.
"The NSW Government provided $3.3 million for the bridge to be repaired and repainted to ensure it continues servicing the community and to minimise corrosion in the future," the spokesperson said.
"Work is complete ahead of schedule and the community walk is an opportunity for the public to get a close up look at the bridge before it's opened to traffic."
"A ribbon cutting will be held following the walk and the event will be attended by Ms Joan Prater, who was present at the first opening ceremony.
"Ms Prater was only nine years old when the bridge was first opened in 1935 by her great-aunt Kate Pritchard.
"We are thrilled to have such a vital link to the history of the bridge with us to mark the occasion."
A community walk will be held on Saturday May 11 between 10am and 12pm, starting at the corner of Old Pacific Highway and Keevers Drive.
Community members are advised parking will be available on the eastern side of the bridge near the roundabout.
The bridge will remain closed until after the official opening at 12pm and the project team will be available on the day to answer questions the community has about the refurbishment.
The spokesperson said when opened the Raleigh Bridge will be used by more than 1500 vehicles each day.
"The bridge's paint coating was in poor condition and required a full blast and repaint, with work also carried out to repair or replace damaged and corroded steel elements."
Further information on the project is available at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/northern-nsw/raleigh-bridge
Roads and Maritime thanks the community for their patience while this essential maintenance work was completed.