Tenterfield residents are set to get a safer and more reliable crossing of Tenterfield Creek, with work about to begin on a new $9.9 million-plus Molesworth Street bridge designed to better withstand floods and severe weather.
The 49-metre, three-span concrete bridge will replace the existing crossing, which was damaged during floods in February and March 2022.
Construction is due to begin on Monday, 24 August, with the project expected to improve connections for local residents, businesses and visitors as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project was focused on community safety and maintaining connections during emergencies.
“The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for everyone who relies on it every day, and most importantly, it will keep people connected when it matters most.
“Following damage caused by the 2022 floods, this investment will give the community a piece of infrastructure that will serve families for years to come.”
The project will include a shared pedestrian and cycle path across the bridge, as well as upgrades to the Molesworth Street approaches and sections of the Tenterfield Township Shared Cycleway.
The existing sewer line will also be replaced with an upgraded creek crossing and new support structure.
Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said the improvements would deliver long-term benefits for people using the crossing.
“This is an important project for Tenterfield that will deliver long-term benefits for our community. Once complete, the new bridge will improve safety and accessibility while providing a better connection for residents, visitors and road users.
“Council is grateful for the support of the Australian and NSW governments in
making this project possible. We appreciate these works will cause some temporary inconvenience, and I thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and understanding while construction is carried out.”
The project is being delivered by Tenterfield Shire Council, with more than $9.9 million provided by the Australian and NSW governments through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the crossing was an important transport link for residents, commuters and freight operators.
“This recovery approach means roads and other transport assets may be able to stay open longer during a disaster and reopen soon after the disaster has passed, speeding up recovery for local communities.”
NSW Recovery Minister and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the bridge played an important role in the daily life of the community.
“As the local member, I have driven and walked over the Molesworth Street Bridge many times, and I know firsthand just how vital this crossing is for our Tenterfield community.”
Construction will, however, cause disruption for motorists and pedestrians.
Molesworth Street will be closed to through traffic between Scott and Duncan streets for the duration of the works, with temporary traffic and pedestrian arrangements in place.
Access for local residents and the Tenterfield Bowling Club will be maintained throughout construction.
Preliminary work, including geotechnical investigations to inform the bridge design, was carried out in July 2024.
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