Lanes Bridge progress update

Both contractor and council staff are keen to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ and take advantage of the current low stream-flow.

At the moment, council labourers are dismantling two small sections of the footpath on the old bridge where the new piles will need to be constructed.

They’ve also started tree-clearing and general site preparation activities.

The four red cedar trees in the avenue on the southern side of the bridge which the McKay family planted decades ago were originally earmarked for relocation, with the McKay Association offering to fund the activities. 

“However, after Council approval was given for them to conduct the works, the McKay Association decided to withdraw their offer,” Council papers said.

“The four red cedar trees in the avenue will now need to be removed by Council, and will be milled to get any usable timber available.”

One further cedar with particular significance to the family has been deemed far enough away from construction activities to remain in situ, and will be protected during the build.

Bird boxes will also be placed in neighbouring trees to compensate for the removal of an identified “habitat tree”.

Future Ecosure was tasked with operating a bat survey in the area after local residents and structures crew voiced the high likelihood of bat activity around the bridge.

“Recorded bat calls were analysed and determined that there was the presence of two threatened species, namely, the southern myotis and little bentwing-bats,” Council papers said.

Council has said the presence of these micro bats will not hinder the construction of the bridge, providing no maternal roosts are discovered in the sections of the old bridge which are currently being dismantled for the new pylons to be installed.

“However if it is found that maternal roosts are present in the sections of the bridge which must be demolished immediately, work will need to be halted until Council can perform the processes required by the new Bio-diversity Conservation Act,” Council said.

Bat boxes will also be installed on the new bridge to rehouse any displaced bats on the recommendation of the ecologist involved.

At its last general meeting, Council approved the tenders for crane services and precast concrete.

Sydney-based Borger Crane Hire and Rigging Services has been given the green light out of the two applicants as crane contractors, and Australian Precast Solutions has also gotten the nod, being the only contractor to put in a tender application.

Any impending bridge closures will be publicised on the MyRoadInfo website, and signs will also be erected at entry locations throughout Macksville, Nambucca Heads and Valla to notify drivers.

In addition to these communications, Council is intending to set up a “mobile media hub” which will send out automated alerts to nominated mobile phone and email accounts.

Residents will soon be able to register their phone numbers to receive these communiques.

But you can currently register for an email alert by emailing lanesbridge@nambucca.nsw.gov.au.

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