Removing a Lismore rail bridge is akin to the NSW Reconstruction Authority's progress on the four relocatable homes at Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah; they both move at a glacial pace.

The Terania Street rail bridge was removed in September 2024, after a prolonged approval process and a number of truck accidents due to drivers not realising the height of their truck and that of the rail bridge. That led to Terania Street being closed for long periods, affecting local traffic.

During removal, the condition of the timber was revealed to be in poor condition, highlighting the safety issues involved.

Lismore City Council wants the remaining rail bridges removed and has submitted all the appropriate paperwork to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for demolition.

The remaining rail bridges are over Alexandra Parade, Union Street and Winterton Parade (near the racecourse)

(The Alexandra parade rail bridge near the Lismore Showground)

Alexandra Parade and Union Street are on the State Heritage Register, as was Terania Street, so we know how long the process is to remove it from the register, while Winteron Parade is not listed as state or local heritage, so could be removed quickly.

Council's hands are tied because the land and bridges are owned by TfNSW. They do not have details on when the bridge removal will take place.

A Transport for NSW Spokesperson told the Lismore App, "Transport for NSW continues to finalise approvals for the removal of rail bridges on Alexandra Parade, Union Street and Winterton Parade in Lismore.

"Planned demolition or dismantling of the rail bridges will only occur after all appropriate approvals are in place.

"Transport for NSW will update the community once the approvals are finalised and crews are contracted to carry out the work."

Don't hold your breath.