Bellingen Shire’s timber bridge network is the fourth largest timber bridge network in the state.
In December 2025 we completed our Bridge Renewal Program that saw 33 timber bridges in our Shire repaired, rehabilitated or replaced. This has improved the integrity of the bridges and will reduce recurrent maintenance costs into the future.
In total, $34.4 million has been invested to deliver 31 new and upgraded bridges across the Shire, significantly improving safety, connectivity and resilience for residents, businesses and visitors.
Bellingen Shire Council has benefitted from major investment through the Fixing Country Bridges Program, receiving $20.3 million in Round 1 and a further $10.5 million in Round 2.
The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program is a $500 million investment that supports councils to replace ageing timber bridges and improve safety, connectivity and resilience across regional and rural communities.
This work was further supported by $2.4 million from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program for the replacement of the Kalang River and Richardson bridges, along with an additional $1.2 million contributed by Council.
Learn more about the completion of the program here.
Community Impacts
Community impacts vary from project to project. Notifications to the community will be provided during any major disruption via online channels and VMS boards. See below individual project pages for specific information regarding the bridge which may affect you.
Load Limits
Following the Timber Bridge Assessment Project in 2017 a number of bridges with structural defects were identified, a load limit was required to be placed on those bridges to enable the continued use and longevity of the bridge until a permanent repair can be funded and completed.
View our current bridge projects