Residents who use the rapidly ageing Horse Arm Creek Bridge in Narrabri say money is desperately needed to help replace the structure.
The calls come amid recent talks at Narrabri Shire Council involving the replacement of other bridges in the region.
“Thirty families use it every day and one school bus goes across it twice a day,” said resident Ian Bailey.
“Over the years the condition of the bridge has deteriorated.”
The bridge’s use has come a long way since construction many decades ago.
“It was designed for horse and sulky back in 1932 and since then there have been load limits put on it because of the deterioration.
“Something should be done
because it’s a very important arterial connection.”
Ian is concerned that other bridges are taking the focus off the Horse Arm Creek Bridge.
Two weeks ago The Courier reported that councillors had discussed at a recent council meeting that the old Tulladunna Bridge, which is soon to be replaced with a new one, could be moved.
“This could be a golden opportunity rather than let a useful bridge go to scrap metal,” Cr Robyn Faber told the council meeting.
The existing timber bridge spanning the lagoon is estimated to be 100 years old.
Council agreed with the suggestion, with the engineer looking into the feasibility of relocating the bridge.
While Ian agrees that these types of bridges need repairing, he said he wants to ensure the Horse Arm Creek Bridge is included in any discussion about bridge replacements in the shire.
“It’s not going to get any better, it needs to be replaced sooner rather than later,” said Ian.
“If they’re going to use these prefabricated bridges we’d just like to see one implemented here too.
“Nothing’s been done to it recently that I’m aware of.”