Residents, businesses and tourists in the Northern Rivers will soon benefit from safer and more resilient access over the Richmond River, with work progressing on the new Grieve Crossing Bridge on Gradys Creek Road.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are investing $5.1 million to replace the existing single-lane timber bridge with a two-lane concrete structure. 

The new bridge being built by Kyogle Council will also be built 4.8 metres higher than the previous bridge, putting it 10m higher than water level to improve safety and increase access during flood events.

The project is supported by over $2.5 million through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement’s Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP), jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Government; and $2.5 million from the Minns Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Once completed, the new bridge will improve access for the local community and the key trade and tourism route, linking Summerland Way at The Risk with the Queensland-NSW border.

Kyogle Council is carrying out this project, with work starting earlier this month and the new bridge expected to open to traffic from August 2025, weather permitting.

Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery said, “We’re working with the NSW Government to help communities better prepare for future disasters.

“This isn’t just about building a bridge; it’s about strengthening connections and providing security for communities impacted by floods year after year.

“The Grieve Crossing Bridge will help keep families connected, trade routes open, and school buses running even during heavy rains. It’s also a key link for tourists travelling from Kyogle to the Queensland border.

“We’re building this bridge to a more resilient standard so it can withstand future flooding and better protect the Northern Rivers community.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said, “Grieve Crossing Bridge is located in the upper catchment of the Richmond River and is currently impacted by flood events for an average of 11 days every year.

“This critical piece of local infrastructure is used by about 4,000 vehicles each week with about 400 of those being heavy vehicles, including school buses, so we know this road is important for residents and local farmers to keep connected.

“The Minns Labor government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government and councils to deliver critical road and bridge betterment projects across the Northern Rivers region to protect the road network from both floods and fires.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said, “The extra height on this bridge makes a difference and it’s heartening to see another project underway to ensure the Northern Rivers region becomes more resilient to flooding. 

“Work being carried out by Kyogle Council and funded by the Australian and NSW governments will help this region bounce back more quickly after flood events.

“I look forward to seeing the new bridge opened next year.”

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said, “The new Grieve Crossing Bridge will improve safety for motorists and provide greater resilience during times of flood.

“The new alignment will address the awkward positioning of the existing road onto and off the bridge, making it safer and easier to navigate for locals and visitors alike.

“It will also be higher which means it won’t flood as regularly, increasing the community’s flood resilience.

“This new bridge has been a long time coming and we would like to thank our funding partners and our hardworking staff for helping us to deliver this project for the benefit of all.”