Kempsey Shire's largest timber bridge will soon be replaced with a new concrete crossing, delivering improved road safety and local transport links.
Jointly funded by the Federal Government under the Bridges Renewal Program, the new $4 million bridge will begin construction this week.
Contractors Waeger Constructions will build the 144-metre long concrete structure slightly downstream of the existing bridge.
Council has received $1,995,615 in funding to replace the bridge which will be widened to two traffic lanes and increased in height by 1.5 metres - making it less susceptible to flood events.
The bridge was closed in 2009 for an extended period after two full spans were destroyed by flooding, and again in March 2017 due to flooding.
Project Leader Infrastructure Delivery, Tony Green, said the bridge replacement was one of the strategic priority projects in Council's 2017-2021 Delivery Program.
"Council maintains 171 bridges across the Shire, ranging from river crossings on major roads to creek crossings that service only a few properties," Mr Green said.
"Bridge works form part of Council's strategic objective to support a wealthy community, by increasing the value of production and providing key links within the local transport network.
"Turners Flat bridge is used regularly by local residents and heavy vehicles associated with quarry and agricultural activities so widening it to two lanes will improve safety."
Council expects only minor disruptions to traffic during construction as the existing bridge will remain open until the new one is complete by December 2019.
The ageing Turners Flat bridge will be replaced with a new concrete, two-lane structure in a jointly-funded project
