Pearces Creek Bridge officially open

Published on 26 March 2024

The new $5.4 million Pearces Creek Bridge was officially opened today providing farmers with improved access to markets, and motorists and the community with much safer travel.

Mayor Steve Krieg joined Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads, Anna Watson and Ballina Mayor, Sharon Cadwallader for the official opening.

Mayor Krieg said the replacement of the existing wooden bridge, which had been reduced to one-lane with a strict load limit, was much needed.

“The new Pearces Creek Bridge has already greatly improved safety for heavy vehicles, school buses and motorists driving across the Creek,” he said.

“The new bridge is much more modern, has a stronger structure and is meeting the needs of today’s road users. It is a great example of Lismore and Ballina councils working together cooperatively in the interest of both of our communities.”

The aging wooden bridge that spans the two local government areas and is a key connection in the local road network, has been replaced by a two-lane concrete structure with guardrails.

The new bridge will improve safety for road users, reduce maintenance costs and has reinstated the bridge from one lane to two lanes with the load limit removed.

The project has been funded by the NSW Government, Fixing Country Bridges Program and the Federal Government, Bridge Renewal Program.

State Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson said “Eltham Road is an important local haulage route road linking farming and rural industries to adjoining freight networks.”

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said: “The previous timber Pearces Creek Bridge served the community well for many years, but it reached the end of its life and was no longer meeting the needs of our local community.”