Brendan Goswell and a handful of close friends and family have worked hard over the past couple of years to build a roadside memorial to his brothers, David and Ryan,  killed in a car accident 15 years ago.

On July 10, 2000, David, 18, and Ryan, 20, were passengers in a car that lost control and careered into a tree on Old Coast Rd.

To make way for the new highway, the original memorial was shifted, which sparked the idea of naming the bridge that runs directly over the crash site after his brothers.

The 30-year-old addressed council last week seeking its support to name the crossing.

“I was a bit unclear about why I was going to council – I was keen to get their support but was unsure about what could be achieved,” Brendan told the Guardian.

“Council was respectful regarding my request … however they said not to get my hopes up. 

“Even if council wants to name the bridge, they don’t have the authority as it’s up to RMS and the Geographical Names Board.”

Brendan said it could go one of two ways: the RMS maintains its position on not naming infrastructure after victims of road trauma, or it agrees with council and sends the proposal to the names board.

A letter from RMS general manager Pacific Highway Bob Higgins said that “naming infrastructure after private individuals is an issue that generates strong and sometimes conflicting views”.

“Many people feel they have a personal connection to infrastructure in their region and it’s important all views are considered in any naming request,” Mr Higgins wrote.

“While every death on our roads is a tragedy and while we understand the intent of honouring those who have died in crashes, RMS seeks to avoid naming infrastructure after victims of road trauma. 

“It is a sensitive issue for many families and communities who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes”.

Brendan said he understands their stance on naming structures after crash victims but feels it would be fitting to rename the bridge that essentially replaces the accident site.

“Cr Brian Finlayson, Mayor Rhonda Hoban and Cr John Ainsworth were the first three to indicate their support of my proposal,” he said.

The motion was passed that council write to the RMS asking them to reconsider their policy in relation to the matter and allow the naming of the new highway overpass as per Mr Goswell’s request, which is consistent with the wishes of the community for some lasting memorial.

Further, the council will request that  RMS advertises the proposal and makes a determination after considering community response.

“Their discussion was around what a close-knit community we live in, and that we should not only remember our successes but some tragedies,” Brendan said.

“I got pretty emotional because it was the first time any decision makers had shown direct support of my request.

“I’ve been blown away with the community’s positivity.

“Now the council is behind this, it’s much better - it feels like someone else is going in to bat for me as I’ve been flying solo for the last little bit. RMS could completely shut it down, but at least I tried and it makes it worthwhile that I have so much support.”