In a written report to the councillors for Tuesday night’s council meeting, Head of Engineering Steve Hitchens, detailed the load rating, maintenance and long term issues facing the council’s timber bridge network.

“The timber bridge network within Dungog Shire is rapidly reaching the end of its useful life,” he said in the report.

“The majority of the timber bridge network is in excess of 40 to 60 years old and, in some cases, much older.

“Whilst usual maintenance works such as redecking, girder replacement, etc have been ongoing over many years, the issue that Council will be facing in the short to medium term is that the substructure of these bridges are now also getting beyond there useful lives. “

Mr Hitchens made a recommendation to the meeting that a workshop be held for councillors to discuss the issues  and determine a strategic direction.

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