Through a joint $5.1 million investment, the Federal and New South Wales Governments are delivering safer and more resilient access across the Richmond River.
The new Grieve Crossing Bridge on Gradys Creek Road will replace the existing single-lane timber bridge with a two-lane concrete structure.
Built by Kyogle Council, the new bridge will be 4.8m higher than the previous bridge, putting it 10m higher than water level to improve safety and increase access during flood events.
The project is supported by over $2.5 million through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement’s Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP), jointly funded by the Federal and State Government; and $2.5 million from the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program.
Once completed, the new bridge will improve access for the local community and the key trade and tourism route, linking Summerland Way at The Risk with the Queensland-New South Wales border.
Kyogle Council is carrying out this project, with work starting earlier this month and the new bridge expected to open to traffic from August 2025, weather permitting.
Federal Senator and Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Tony Sheldon, said that the Federal Government is working with the State Government to help communities better prepare for future disasters.
“This isn’t just about building a bridge; it’s about strengthening connections and providing security for communities impacted by floods year after year,” Senator Sheldon said.
“The Grieve Crossing Bridge will help keep families connected, trade routes open, and school buses running even during heavy rains. It’s also a key link for tourists travelling from Kyogle to the Queensland border.
“We’re building this bridge to a more resilient standard so it can withstand future flooding and better protect the Northern Rivers community.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that Grieve Crossing Bridge is located in the upper catchment of the Richmond River and is currently impacted by flood events for an average of eleven days every year.
“This critical piece of local infrastructure is used by about 4,000 vehicles each week with about 400 of those being heavy vehicles, including school buses, so we know this road is important for residents and local farmers to keep connected,” Minister Aitchison said.
“The New South Wales Government is proud to be partnering with the Federal Government and councils to deliver critical road and bridge betterment projects across the Northern Rivers region to protect the road network from both floods and fires.”
New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said that the extra height on this bridge makes a big difference.
“It’s heartening to see another project underway to ensure the Northern Rivers region becomes more resilient to flooding,” Ms Saffin said.
“Work being carried out by Kyogle Council and funded by the Federal and State Governments will help this region bounce back more quickly after flood events.
“I look forward to seeing the new bridge opened next year.”
Kyogle Council Mayor, Danielle Mulholland, said that the new Grieve Crossing Bridge will improve safety for motorists and provide greater resilience during times of flood.
“The new alignment will address the awkward positioning of the existing road onto and off the bridge, making it safer and easier to navigate for locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Mulholland said.
“It will also be higher which means it won’t flood as regularly, increasing the community’s flood resilience.
“This new bridge has been a long time coming and we would like to thank our funding partners and our hardworking staff for helping us to deliver this project for the benefit of all.”
