The Lavenders Bridge Replacement – Investigation and Design Project will see the development of designs for a replacement bridge structure that will support improved flood resilience for the community and form part of broader flood resilience works across the shire. The development of shovel-ready plans puts council in a good position to secure funding to support eventual construction through future grant programs.
The replacement bridge structure will look to reduce the occurrence of road closures and impacts from flooding events providing a safer, more reliable connection for the community. This will support improved community flood resilience, reduce impacts to emergency services and Council crews during severe weather events and help reduce the significant costs associated with maintenance and clean-up of flood events.
Benefits of the proposed new bridge structure will include:
Reduce occurrence of flooding impacts and bridge overtopping
Improved flood immunity for residents and essential services
Reduce maintenance costs associated with flooding events
Improve pedestrian and active transport connectivity
Replacement of the aging timber structure, reducing ongoing maintenance costs
Ensure future and ongoing structural integrity of bridge structure
As part of the proposed bridge replacement, the project is exploring various design options including alignment, height, structural configuration and hydraulic impacts. An in-depth assessment will help guide the selection of a preferred alignment, after which detailed flood modelling will help determine the final arrangement.
Contractors will be undertaking geotechnical works near Lavenders Bridge, Bellingen on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May 2026 (weather permitting).
Works will involve non-destructive digging and geotechnical investigation borehole drilling.
Community Impacts
Thank you for your patience, please follow all signage and the directions of traffic controllers and stick to speed limits.
A preferred bridge alignment is expected to be finalised by Early-2026, with detailed design to be completed Mid-2026.
The $365,000 project funding was secured by council under the NSW Flood Recovery and Resilience Grant Program administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The grant program aims to reduce the impacts of flooding and flood-related liability on communities and helps provide funding for the investigation, design and construction of new or upgraded flood mitigation infrastructure.
Bridge Alignment Options Assessment
Geotechnical and Survey Assessments
Flood assessment of the Preferred Design
Detailed Design Development
Mid-2026
Detailed design complete