Will I be able to drive across the bridges during construction?
Booyong, Parkers, James and O’Mearas Bridges will be closed to traffic during construction. This means you will not be able to drive across them. Each bridge will be demolished during the construction. For this reason there will be no access for any vehicles, or pedestrians.
The exception is Scarrabelottis Bridge which is being built on a new alignment. The existing bridge will be open to traffic while the new bridge is being built.
Will I still be able to get access to my property during construction?
Yes. Property access will not be closed or blocked during construction. If you have infrequent access requirements, for example an agistment, please call Shane Pearce on 02 6626 7072 and we will arrange for the contractor to contact you directly to discuss your needs.
Who is doing the works?
The contract for all five bridge replacements was awarded to SEE Civil Pty Ltd.
When will the bridges be closed?
Work on the replacement of the five bridges will start in mid-April 2018. The bridges will be replaced in the following order. Note the dates below are subject to change as a result of weather or construction conditions. Exact closure dates will be advertised via signage at each bridge and on the Byron Shire Council website.
- Booyong – closed 16 April 2018, reopened 26 August 2018
- O’Mearas – closed 16 July 2018, reopened 23 November 2018
- Parkers – closed 25 June 2018, reopened 7 November 2018
- James – closes 18 September 2018, reopened 14 December 2018
- Scarrabelottis – opened on 7 December
Will there be a load limit on the new bridges?
The new bridges will each have a 44 tonne load limit.
My child catches the bus to school. Will they be affected?
Yes. There will be impacts to school bus services that use the bridges. Bus companies have been contacted and are aware of the work on the bridges. Please contact the bus company directly to discuss alternative arrangements.
Will I be compensated for the extra travel during construction?
No. Compensation will not be provided for travel as a result of the bridges being closed.
I would like a job on the project. Who should I contact?
SEE Civil is the principal contractor for all five bridges. Go to their website www.seecivil.com.au to view current employment opportunities.
Why are the bridges being replaced?
The bridges are old, single-lane bridges that currently have load limits which restrict access for nearby properties and businesses. Byron Shire Council has secured funding from the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal Program and the NSW Government’s Fixing Rural Roads Program. Byron Shire Council is contributing approximately $400,000 to the project.
Booyong Bridge will be reopened before James Bridge is closed.
I would like to purchase the materials from the demolished bridges.
Material from the demolished bridges is not for sale. They will be re-used by Byron Shire Council.
Contact us
Telephone: 02 6626 7000
Facsimile: 02 6684 3018
Emergency After Hours: 02 6622 7022
Email: council@byron.nsw.gov.au
Find us:
Byron Shire Council
70-90 Station St
Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Engage with us:
Like us on Facebook