Bega Valley Shire Councillors have resolved to progress with a two-lane concrete bridge structure with attached shared pathway and handrails for the Cuttagee Bridge Renewal Project.
The project received $15 million under the NSW Government's Regional Roads Fund.
Three concept designs for the bridge were developed as required by the funding, which was administered by Transport for NSW.
Councillors voted to move ahead with concept design Option 3, a two-lane concrete structure, to ensure renewal of the asset, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, improve road safety and accessibility and ensure a resilient and sustainable road network.
This decision means the project can now enter the detailed design and development stage.
"Renewal of Cuttagee Bridge has been on our radar for many years and yesterday's decision means we can move forward with a design," Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said.
"While much loved by some locals, the current timber bridge is at the end of its life and replacing it with a long-lasting concrete bridge is a positive outcome."
Community feedback on the Cuttagee Bridge project helped inform the concept designs, with more than 1,000 survey responses received during multiple consultation periods.
"This decision was not taken lightly and had to be made so we can progress with renewing this vital piece of transport infrastructure," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"There is still so much more work to be done to get to a detailed design and part of that process will be securing additional funding.
"Early cost estimates range from $29 million upwards and with $15 million secured, there is currently a significant funding shortfall, noting that Option 3 had the second lowest estimated cost of the options and all options were estimated in excess of $26.5m."
Council will commence the detailed design phase of the project in the new year and will keep the community updated.
For more information, visit the project page on Council's website.
