Fernside Bridge Restriction

Fernside Bridge has deteriorated significantly since Council received a Level 2 Structure Condition Report of the bridge. This detailed condition assessment was conducted by an independent company, engaged by Lismore City Council. Following the condition assessment, the following immediate recommendations were issued to Council:

• Implement a load limit of 3.5 tonne (GVM) as a priority.
• Undertake temporary repairs involving propping the outer foundation piles with a load path from a solid section of the cross beam to a solid section of the piles in order to provide structural support and mitigate any further cantilevering of the cross beams and running deck.

In the interest of public safety, it was necessary for Council to take immediate action and implement the recommendations as outlined in the consultant’s report.

As an interim measure, it is proposed to construct a temporary crossing (side-track) which is currently planned to be installed on the downstream side of the current bridge site and will be open to traffic on 29 July 2022.

The side-track, which will be located within the road reserve, will not be load limited and will provide for heavy vehicle access across the creek, and will be in place until Fernside Bridge is either repaired or replaced, depending on NSW Government grant submission approval.

Signage has been installed to notify motorists. Further details and updates can be found below in the 'Community Updates' tab. We encourage the Q+A function to be used, so we may share information with those who have similar questions.

We understand that this information may provide some difficulty for your current circumstances. Please contact Council (02) 6625 0500, or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au with your contact details and feedback – referencing Fernside Bridge. We would like to work with the community and provide direct up to date details on proposed works.