Last month Macksville residents got a sneak peek at their old bridge lit up like a Christmas tree.
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Twinkling LED lights were swiftly attached to the old expanse after the stalled project finally found wings in July.
The lights were switched on long enough for council workers (and a few local riverside residents) to snap a photo as evidence of progress to release the final 'milestone payment' of the grant funding. And then just as quickly the lights went out again.
There were hopes that the grand reveal would take place over the October long weekend.
Residents waited, but nothing happened.
Assistant Manager Engineering Services Paul Gallagher said it was council's original intention to light up the bridge on the long weekend.
"And last week was breast cancer week - it would have been fantastic to see the bridge lit up in pink," he said.
But there are still a few tweaks to be made before the lights go on for good. Extra lights still need to be installed along the river bank - those will be directed back up onto the bridge "creating a dual effect".
Mr Gallagher said the delays have been largely due to negotiating access to the bridge - it's still an RSM owned-asset and they have also been trying to assess the bridge and do maintenance works during the same period.
But he said he's hopeful the work will finally be completed by the end of November - "just in time for Christmas".
The residents of this valley have gone through a bit this past year, and I think they deserve a bit of cheer. It'll be nice to get some Christmas spirit back after COVID.
- Paul Gallagher
Mr Gallagher made assurances that the public and the media will be adequately informed prior to 'lights, camera, action'.
"We're hoping to make it a bit of a thing."