A new bridge has opened to traffic in Currowan State Forest near Batemans Bay replacing an old timber bridge that was damaged by flooding.

Forestry Corporation has recently completed the Lyons Road bridge project.

The bridge replacement has occurred under the Forest Infrastructure Repair Program (FIRP), a $60 million NSW Government fund, which is completing the largest ever infrastructure program rolled out across the NSW State Forest estate.

FIRP has seen more than 160 road, bridge and culvert projects planned, constructed and completed in State Forests since 2022.

Forest Operations Planner Anthony Peake said the long-awaited Lyons Road bridge replacement became a focus for the FIRP team in Batemans Bay to restore essential forest access and improve the habitat of the site.

“After the old timber bridge was damaged by flooding, the site became a bed-level splash crossing. However, due to the size of the river system and high flows, the site required ongoing maintenance and attempts to install a permanent causeway structure failed in heavy flood conditions,” Mr Peake said.

“The new concrete bridge stands as a symbol of the FIRP project's success here on the South Coast,” he said.

FIRP projects across NSW have improved public and emergency firefighting access in State forests and generated regional returns through public infrastructure investment for local communities with local contractors engaged to undertake the construction works.

Across NSW, Forestry Corporation maintains a 60,000km road and fire trail network that complements the public road network providing access for community use, forest management and fire protection.

After years of significant weather damage, a statewide audit found more than half of the State forest road network was in areas heavily impacted by flooding.

Consecutive weather events damaged between 10,000 and 50,000km of forest roads prompting the creation of the State Government-funded FIRP program.

To find out more about Forestry Corporation’s FIRP projects visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au