Northern Rivers: $18M Deep Creek and Spring Gully Bridge upgrades on track, Broadwater bridge reopens

A multi-million dollar bridge project providing better evacuation routes for flood-prone communities in the NSW northern rivers will be complete by the year’s end. SEE THE PICTURES.

When disaster strikes, every minute counts –and for residents near Tatham in the Northern Rivers, new bridges promise faster, safer evacuation routes thanks to an $18 million upgrade project.

Tatham in the Northern Rivers will see improved emergency evacuation and supply routes with the replacement of two ageing wooden bridges by the end of the year.

The $18 million project has commenced, focusing on the Deep Creek and Spring Gully bridges.

The project will raise the road and bridge levels to increase flood resilience.

The new bridges will better connect Coraki to Casino, improving access for the community and emergency services during disasters.

Work has commenced on the $18 million project, which will see the two low-set bridges at Deep Creek and Spring Gully replaced, and the level of the road and bridges raised to bolster flood resilience.

The bridges will create a certified B-double truck route during floods.

The project is one of 36 administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

Tatham Bridge aerial view.

The NRRRP aims to bolster long-term resilience by delivering community-supported projects that mitigate disaster impacts.

Fifteen NRRRP projects are complete, including road improvements and drainage upgrades.

The Tatham bridges are located on the Casino to Woodburn regional road, a key freight, tourism, and agricultural link. Richmond Valley Council has engaged a contractor to complete the bridge construction, improving flood immunity and connections for Coraki residents.

Works include vegetation clearing, earthworks, piling, bridge construction, pavement and drainage, service relocations, and landscaping.

Broadwater Bridge reopening: Ark Construction Group representatives Akhil Viswanathan and Michael Joseph, Sunshine Sugar’s Cane Supply Manager Walter Habchi, Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald, Sunshine Sugar’s Broadwater Operations Manager Daniel Rojo, Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg and Acting Richmond Valley Council Mayor Steve Morrissey.

This follows the reopening of Broadwater Bridge after a four-month closure for restoration. The vital transport link has been upgraded to enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity.

The original Broadwater Bridge lift span, repurposed in 1933, was replaced with a precast trough girder to improve safety and extend the bridge’s lifespan.

Richmond Valley Council and Lismore City Council co-funded the $1.6 million project, with support from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The centre bascule span was replaced with a new concrete span to increase structural strength.

Acting Richmond Valley Council Mayor Steve Morrissey said the Broadwater Bridge reopening restores a key connection for residents and businesses. He emphasised the upgrade reconnects communities and ensures the bridge’s service for decades.