Construction to replace The Bight Bridge has been assessed as eligible for funding by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, marking an important step towards restoring this key local connection for the community.
The Reconstruction Authority has committed to providing early funding of the detailed design for the proposed replacement.
The bridge, located in Wingham, has been the subject of ongoing assessments and planning following the May 2025 flood. Council has been working closely with relevant authorities to secure funding approval.
MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin said the approval represents positive progress for residents and businesses who rely on the bridge.
"The Bight Bridge is an important piece of local infrastructure, and we know that residents are finding life without the bridge very difficult," the Mayor said.
"This approval is the first significant milestone for the bridge, and we are very pleased to be able to get going on it. We are also happy that money is being provided upfront to fund the next stage of work."
While design funding for reconstruction has now been approved, the timing of the works has not yet been determined. Council will continue to work through the detailed design, final funding arrangements, and construction planning required before a construction timeline can be confirmed.
MidCoast Council's Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said Council understands the community is keen to see progress.
"We appreciate the patience of residents and road users while this process moves forward," he said.
"We are undertaking all of the engineering work concurrently so we can get the design done and start construction as soon as possible.
"There are still several important steps to complete before construction can begin, and we will keep the community informed as more information becomes available."
While some residents may have been hoping for a higher bridge to be built, the Natural Disaster Recovery Arrangements don't allow for increases in the level of service or flood immunity. The new bridge height will be a little higher than the former bridge to provide a similar level of flood immunity and provide a safer road alignment which meets current engineering standards. It will also be designed to be significantly more robust in its ability to resist upward lift forces and debris loads.
Council will provide further updates once the project timeline and next stages of the reconstruction program are confirmed.
For updates on road and bridge works, visit the Roads Hub at https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub
