It is two weeks at 7 o'clock tonight when Transport for NSW closed Terania Street, North Lismore at the Terania Bridge viaduct as a result of damage to the rail bridge.

Local Terania Street businesses were extremely worried about their viability if the road closure continued for an extended period.

The concern was over the lack of a timeframe offered by Transport for NSW while further investigations took place. Up to three months has been mentioned as a possible timeframe to complete the project.

The Lismore App contacted Transport for NSW to get the latest news.

A Transport for NSW Spokesperson said recent inspections by the bridge maintenance contractor UGL Regional Linx (UGLRL) have identified significant damage to the bridge sustained from over-height vehicles.

Further investigation is required to determine necessary repairs to the bridge to be carried out, and to ensure the road can be safely reopened to motorists.  

Road users are advised Terania Street will remain closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until further investigation and repair work can be carried out, with a timeframe for this still to be determined.

Detour routes will be in place while investigations and repair work are carried out.

These detours will be communicated to motorists using detour signs and Variable Message Signs (VMS), placed on the detour route and approaches to Terania Street.

Transport for NSW appreciates the closure has impacted on the local community and we thank the community for providing feedback on the impact of the road closure at Terania Street. 

Transport is currently working closely with Council to improve and update the traffic management plan and messages on electronic signage boards based on this feedback. 

Plans and signage have been updated to include more specific details about the road closure, including detour routes, to improve safety for all road users including pedestrians and to ensure access for all residents and businesses.

Transport for NSW assures local business owners, motorists, residents and other stakeholders that we will work hard to ensure the road is reopened as soon as possible.

If you are not aware, a detour for all heavy and light vehicles is available via Wilson Street, Elliott Road and Ballina Road.

Light vehicles can then access Bridge and Terania streets via Dawson and Woodlark streets, which are not suitable for heavy vehicles. Motorists should allow up to 10 minutes extra travel time. 

A detour for pedestrians only is available from Terania Street via Pine, Crane and Tweed Streets.

Transport for NSW says they will keep the community up to date on the results of investigations being carried out on four other rail overpass bridges in this area.

There have been calls for the old wooden bridge to be pulled down to solve the ongoing heavy vehicle height accidents each year, however, the bridge plus others listed under Lismore Railway Underbridges were listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on April 2 1999 having satisfied certain criteria.

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

This item is assessed as historically rare. This item is assessed as scientifically rare. This item is assessed as arch. rare. This item is assessed as socially rare.

So, while NSW State agencies discuss the long-term future of the railway bridges, North Lismore businesses operate under trying circumstances. This latest drama follows a gruelling eighteen months following the February 28, 2022, big flood.

Brad Baker, owner of Pro Hunt Outfitters and Fuel on the corner of Terania and Tweed Streets said the last two weeks have not been as bad as expected at this stage.

(Brad and Kerena Baker)

"We've still got a bit of Dunoon traffic, a lot goes up this hill and a lot goes out Woodlawn Road that works over at the industrial estate, so they're still coming past going down Alexandra Parade."

"We're losing what we call overspill. They used to stop because they know we are predominantly a little cheaper, so we were getting that flow of traffic from over town plus a lot of stuff coming from Nimbin way."

"If it doesn't drop any more than this, we're not going to have a problem. But that's not the point. It's ok to say we're surviving but what are we losing?"

On the other side of the Terania Street Railway Bridge, Sharon Madden from the Independent Liberty is not doing so well.

"We're suffering quite a bit, quite a bit. Some days we're sort of 50/50, then other days not so good. Weekends are really bad."

"We're taking less than half on the weekend that we normally would."

(Sharon Madden)

That sort of customer loss has meant Sharon has been forced to reduce staff.

"I've had to put one off temporarily until we know what's going on and the second one I'm looking at now."

On a positive note, Sharon said she has seen some new faces in the last two weeks as people go out of their way to support her.

"One couple came down the hill from Goonellabah to support us. The community is getting behind us which is very nice."

Sharon's Independent Liberty is off Bridge Street, so if you can make the effort to fill up your tank, she will be very appreciative during another turbulent time.

The Lismore App will have the cheapest petrol prices in the Weekend Wrap tomorrow, however, we can tell you Sharon and Brad are consistently the cheapest in town.

There are other businesses on Terania Street that are more destination-orientated that are still open, like Totally Dogs, Clean and Green Laundry North Lismore, Albertini Automotive and AJ Magnay on Macauley Street.