Wingham's new Cedar Party Creek Bridge was formally opened today during an on-site ceremony attended by representatives from all levels of government.
The $40.37 million project was funded through a $29.73 million grant from the NSW Government's Fixing Country Bridges Program, a $5 million contribution from the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and $5.64 million provided by MidCoast Council.
Australian Government Senator Deborah O'Neill and the NSW Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, were on hand to cut the ribbon with MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin and tour the structure.
The first bridge over Cedar Party Creek was built in 1869, measuring 23.5m long and 4.2m wide. After a major flooding in 1893, a higher-level replacement bridge was constructed in 1896.
Four decades later, in 1937, significant repairs were required, prompting the Wingham Council to seek funding support for a new concrete bridge, estimated at £15,000 at the time.
In 1993, a stress-laminated timber deck was added to incorporate emerging timber-bridge technology and extend the structure's lifespan.
The bridge remained largely unchanged until October last year, when demolition works began to make way for the new build. The new bridge, which was open to traffic in late November this year, is more flood resilient because it is higher and is designed to withstand a one-in-one-hundred-year flood event.
An added benefit of the project is the level transition it creates to the Wynter and Combined Streets intersection, which has been upgraded with a new roundabout to improve traffic flow.
Quotes Attributable to Senator Deborah O'Neill, Senator for NSW:
"The opening of the Cedar Party Creek Bridge demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together."
"The Albanese Labor Government understands that the nation needs resilient, regional infrastructure to improve our readiness for climate events."
"The local community, as well as industry, transport and the wider economy will all benefit from this significant investment."
Quotes Attributable to Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport:
"As the largest Fixing Country Bridges project by size and value, Cedar Party Creek Bridge is a landmark achievement for the program, which has assisted councils to replace more than 485 timber bridges across NSW with modern concrete structures.
"This is another great example of how the NSW Government is delivering critical infrastructure upgrades in regional NSW.
"Projects like upgrading the Cedar Party Creek Bridge reduce maintenance costs for taxpayers and improves resilience during major flooding or other natural disasters. It's a win-win."
Quotes Attributable to Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery and the North Coast:
"Today's reopening of the Cedar Party Creek Bridge marks far more than the completion of a construction project - it marks the reconnection of communities.
"After the recent devastating floods, the community here have shown extraordinary resilience, and this bridge is a symbol of that strength and determination.
"By building back better, we are ensuring this vital connection and the community are more resilient into the future.
"It was great to have locals involved in construction and shows what can be achieved when federal, state and local government work together."
Quotes Attributable to Claire Pontin, MidCoast Council Mayor:
"We are delighted to celebrate the completion of the Cedar Party Creek Bridge alongside the NSW and Australian Governments. This bridge has been a vital part of Wingham for 156 years, and its replacement is overdue."
"Without significant support, this project would have been beyond the Council's capacity, and not replacing the old bridge would have disrupted local travel, services, and daily life."
"The new bridge is a lasting investment in the safety, connectivity, and future of our community. We look forward to seeing our residents, families, and businesses enjoy the benefits of this bridge for many years ahead."
