BUNDARRA’S new $4 million Emu Crossing Bridge was opened for business at 1pm on Wednesday. At 150 metres long, eight metres wide and about 15 metres high, the bridge ends a long-term flooding problem caused by the previous low structure built at the beginning of last century.
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Uralla Shire Mayor Michael Pearce said 36,000 cubic metres of dirt was removed from the construction site, 6000 of which was utilised for the approaches.
“There’s about 1115 cubic metres of concrete on this bridge,” Cr Pearce said.
“So it’s a big, big bridge. It’s a good, good bridge and a win-win for all.
“This bridge will make it easier for all the councils in the region, including Inverell council. I’m pleased to see it finished, particularly for heavy vehicles.”
With the official opening of the bridge by Roads Minister Duncan Gaye due to take place on November 9, Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, described the new bridge as an “absolute cracker”.
“Even I didn’t anticipate that it would be this big,” he said.
“This bridge will certainly stand the test of time. There’s no risk of this bridge being topped with water, if it does you won’t be able to get to it anyway.
“It’s impressive and removes the significant safety hazard of the 98-year-old ‘temporary’ low level crossing that was built over the Gwydir River.”
Uralla council director of Infrastructure and Regulation Robert Bell said the original causeway was built in 1919.
“The first letter of complaint we can find was in 1930, so there’s been a lot of people caught there,” Mr Bell said.
“We had the old causeway closed for three weeks here not long ago. It’s been a huge issue for Bundarra for years.”
Senator John Williams said there was a lot more traffic on that road these days and the bridge would be safer and give good traffic flow.
“Probably some of the people who might not like the new bridge might be some of the school kids. They’ll have to get to school when the river’s in flood, they won’t be able to dodge it,” Wacka quipped as he chuckled.
