The Beagle has been advised by the public that the Runnyford Bridge has been accessible to traffic for a month. It is understood that an official opening ceremony is planned sometime in the future for the new bridge. What is baffling to many is why the Council hasn't advised the community that the bridge is open to traffic and has been for a month. Runnyford Bridge is a timber bridge that crosses the Buckenbowra River on Runnyford Road, approximately 12 kilometres south of Nelligen. Spanning 130 metres, it is one of the longest bridges that Council looks after. The bridge took a year to replace at a cost of $950,000 ($850,000 of this is provided by the Australian Government's Roads to Recovery Programme) For anyone consulting Council's website the latest news in regards to the bridge is: December 2017 Due to rainfall in November and early December work on the bridge has been delayed. The new Runnyford Bridge is now scheduled to be opened by the end of January 2018, weather conditions permitting.To build the bridge, staff need to use electrical tools and chainsaws, which require sure footing and clear visibility for safe use. This cannot be achieved during intermittent showers as the safety of our workers is paramount
Photo on right by John Evans
