Bridging the gap between wants and needs

On Sunday, September 29, the third in a series of public drop-in sessions to view and discuss the three design options on the table will be held in Bermagui.

Feedback can also be submitted until October 6.

However, what is becoming clear is that none of the three designs really provides the aesthetic and nod to heritage for which many in the community were hoping.

Even the single lane hybrid bridge (option 1) is a concrete and sealed roadway. The timber a lot of people were hoping to see in the design is limited to a pedestrian pathway and handrails.

No more driving over the rumble strips.

One would assume the challenges are a matter of cost - although given the designs are just concepts at the moment, not detailed plans, there is no finalised figure of how many millions this bridge is going to cost us.

And it will be millions. The state government committed $15million nearly two years ago, and even then it was said it wouldn't be nearly enough for a full replacement.

Cost estimates in 2022 suggested $20million. Three years later...?

Another challenge to negotiate is the need for a safe and resilient bridge on a popular (and vital to some) road that will withstand its coastal location amid a changing climate and ever-growing population.

The $15million was earmarked for the "repair and restoration of the Cuttagee Bridge in line with its heritage position".

A recent council-run survey indicated 70 per cent of respondents wanted Cuttagee "to be rebuilt as a single-lane bridge that honours the existing bridge's timber heritage and character".

But at the same time the bridge needs to meet Transport for NSW requirements - and there is no standard for a timber bridge.

Is the timber-slatted footpath and handrail, as well as certain decorative inclusions, enough to satisfy you as to retaining Cuttagee Bridge's heritage elements?

Are you happy to see a solid concrete roadway replacing the decrepit timber structure?

Are any of the three concept designs in line with what you were hoping to see as a replacement option?

Something tells me this conversation and long-running debate are not yet over.

Be sure to get in touch and let me know what you think of the three concept designs. And if you don't yet know what they are, be sure to give them a close look at the Bermagui drop-in session at this Sunday's markets, 8.30am until 12.30pm.

Then, Click Here to complete the council's public exhibition survey.

- Ben Smyth, ACM Far South Coast editor