“I was surprised with John Holland’s letter drop in Yellow Rock, Urunga rather than residences adversely affected,” one local man said.

“Thought it mindful that possibly John Holland might have announced such lengthy bridge/road works on a popular tourist and local road prior to surveyor pegs being placed in the dirt on the eastern side of the bridge.

“Many people utilise this road over the holiday season … it’s used as a main entrance to Urunga shops, beaches, and it gives access to Ballards Road when heading South.”

So apart from the perceived failure in communication, what’s happening on the popular road, why and for how long?

The construction of a modern, new $2.8 million bridge on Hungry Head Road will begin in November.

“The new concrete bridge will replace an older timber structure that has served the community well for many years, but is now in need of modernisation,” Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey said.

“Motorists will benefit from wider lanes and a dedicated pedestrian path will make it safer for people walking to and from Hungry Head Beach, which is great news for residents and visitors.”

Ms Pavey said the design and planning was undertaken in consultation with Bellingen Shire Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service to ensure emergency services can still move through the area quickly and safely.

“This will be a big improvement on the old bridge and will also mean a longstanding load restriction will be removed, making it easier for larger vehicles to travel through the area,” she said.

The existing timber bridge has a 10 tonne load limit, meaning large fire trucks are not able to use it. The new bridge will have no load limits and will be constructed on its current alignment.

“We expect the bridge will be open for use by June 2017, but I have made representations to the minister about reducing that time frame,” Ms Pavey said.

“There will be detours in place while work is underway. We acknowledge that this will be an inconvenience and we are grateful to the community for their patience and cooperation.

“Once complete, this bridge will be a vital piece of infrastructure for the community long into the future, so it’s important we get in and get this work done.”

Works will be completed by contractor, John Holland Country Regional Network. 

There will be signage on local feeder roads notifying of bridge closure and detours. Traffic will be directed to Pacific Highway and Bellingen Road, Urunga.

There will be some noise and extra vehicle movements associated with this work.

Construction hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Nearby residents will be notified if works are to occur outside these hours.

John Holland Rail said it welcomes any questions or comments about the impacts of this construction project. Call 1300 661 390 or email crn.enquiry@hg.com.au