Council has implemented a Bridge Renewal Strategy that since 2017 has been progressively replacing aged timber bridges throughout the Armidale region with new concrete structures. With 31 structures originally identified under the program, we have completed 20 construction upgrades and one temporary alternative construction with a further 10 timber bridge structures remaining.
Of the 10 remaining timber structures we are monitoring these for safety and condition and have replaced important structural components to ensure these bridges can remain safe, structural sound and open for the travelling public without load limit restrictions. The aim is to eventually upgrade all timber bridges to concrete structures which is dependent on sourcing further grants opportunities and council funding.
To date, the program has been funded by a range of sources including:
Major upgrades from timber to concrete structures
Council completed four major bridge upgrades in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Our current top priority for sourcing major upgrade funding for is the Burns Gully Bridge on Platform Road.
Design is underway for the Wakefield Road Bridge Upgrade planned for the 2026/2027 FY.
Council will be completing general maintenance and component renewal on this bridge and others as an interim solution until we can source major upgrade funding.
Gara River Bridge – Herbert Park Road – Bridge strengthened; access restriction removed
Melrose Road Bridge – Melrose Road - Bridge strengthened; access restriction removed
Branch Creek Bridge – Lower Creek Road - Bridge strengthened; access restriction removed
Abington Creek Bridge – Dulvay Road
Burns Gully Bridge – Platform Road – Repairs to maintain bridge until replacement in 2025/26
Boundary Creek Bridge – Sissons Road
Willis Creek Bridge - Tenterden Road - Bridge strengthened and access restirction removed
Oaky River Bridge - Wakefield Road - Repairs completed to maintain bridge
Exmouth Road Bridge - Exmouth Road - Bridge strengthened structually
Burns Gully bridge – component renewal
Sara River Bridge – Kookabookra Road – component renewal
Melrose Road Bridge over Postmans Gully – further improvements
Wakefield Road Bridge Upgrade – RTR Funded in 26/26 FY