THE IMMINENT opening of the new Macksville Bridge to traffic on Monday has brought memories flooding back for many long-established families of the Nambucca Valley.
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The new bridge will be christened to the public tomorrow with a community walk-over the modern structure.
Local identity Jan Thomas is excited about the new bridge, and has reflected on the old narrow iron bridge that until Monday, has served as part of the Pacific Highway.
“The Guardian News may be interested in the fact that descendants and extended family of the subjects of the attached photos will be doing the Bridge Walk on Saturday,” Jan wrote.
“The photos are taken on the Macksville bridge under construction in 1931. We don't seem to have a photo of the opening, but know the extended family (Morrison, Hahn, Reid, Fotheringham, Hindmarsh) turned out for it.
“In the photos are my aunt, Miss Mea Hindmarsh, my mother, Miss Alma Morrison who later married Dr Hindmarsh, and Miss Em Bartier who later married Lou Joseph, Macksville's pharmacist. The child belonged to a friend of the family.”
Related:
From Monday, an additional 14 kilometres of the new Pacific Highway will be open to four lane dual carriageway. This will allow motorists to bypass Macksville and Nambucca Heads.
The remaining southern section of the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads upgrade will open to traffic in early to mid 2018 with the full upgrade completed in the second half of 2018.
To celebrate this milestone and give thanks to the community for their patience, a community day is being held tomorrow at the new bridge over the Nambucca River. Entry is via the Bald Hill Rd interchange from 9.30am.