Residents of Wedderburn rejoice, your flood free bridge is finally going to be a reality.
Campbelltown City Council has just announced that it is moving forward with plans to improve wet weather accessibility to Wedderburn after securing a Federal Government grant to support the construction of a new, high level bridge at the existing causeway.
Council says that it will match the more than $1.6 million in funding provided through the Turnbull Government’s Bridges Renewal Program to deliver the project.
Work on the bridge is expected to start by March next year.
The existing low level causeway across the Georges River often floods during heavy rains, cutting off the road between Wedderburn and Campbelltown, and temporarily isolating residents.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, welcomed the significant funding, saying the new bridge would ensure the vital road link remained open in periods of extreme weather, and maintained access at all times between Wedderburn and Campbelltown when the Georges River was experiencing flood conditions.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I’m very pleased that council now has the capacity to replace the flood prone causeway with a high level bridge, addressing the concerns of locals who’ve been calling out for improved access to Wedderburn over a number of years,” he said.[/social_quote]
Designs for the two lane bridge have been completed, and with confirmation of the successful funding application, Campbelltown Council is now working on tender documentation for the project, with a view to securing a contractor early next year.
Construction of the bridge is expected to take approximately 12 months, with access to Wedderburn via the causeway remaining open during construction.
Campbelltown Council is also trying to find a solution to Wedderburn’s problem during bushfires: just the one way in and out of the bushland suburb south of the central business district.
It is trying to convince Wollondilly Council to come on board with a plan to make Lysaght Road the second entry and exit road during bushfires.
• Visit campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/cityimprovements to find out more about new projects and improvements being undertaken throughout Campbelltown City.
