Narrabri residents will have the chance to farewell one of the town’s most recognisable pieces of infrastructure before it disappears from the landscape, with a special community event planned ahead of the Violet Street Bridge demolition.
Narrabri Shire Council has announced a one off event, Brekkie on the Bridge, inviting community members to walk across the Violet Street Bridge for the final time and reflect on nearly half a century of local history.
Opened in May 1975, the Violet Street Bridge has carried traffic, pedestrians and floodwaters for almost 50 years. Built with an intended lifespan far shorter than it ultimately delivered, the structure has endured repeated flooding events and changing demands on Narrabri’s transport network.
Despite surviving conditions that have tested its limits, the bridge is now nearing the end of its safe and practical use. Council has confirmed the bridge will be replaced in 2026 due to its age, declining load capacity and reduced flood efficiency, with demolition scheduled to begin shortly after the farewell event.
The Brekkie on the Bridge event will give residents a rare opportunity to access the structure in a way that would not normally be possible. Participants will be invited to walk across the bridge, learn more about its construction and history, and hear directly from council staff and project engineers about why replacement is necessary and how the new bridge will be built.
Due to safety and site constraints, attendance at the event will be limited. Participation will be determined by ballot, with 20 community members selected to attend. Each successful participant will be able to bring one guest.
In true community style, the morning will also include breakfast, with bacon and egg rolls provided by council. The event will conclude with a final commemorative photograph taken on the bridge just days before demolition begins.
Brekkie on the Bridge will be held on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, from 7.30am to 8.30am. To be one of the lucky 20 people to take part in this little piece of history, complete the nomination form on Council’s website. https://www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/Events-directory/Brekkie-on-the-Bridge
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