Immediate 3 Tonne Load Limit at Richardsons Bridge, Darkwood Road

Published on 20 September 2021

Bellingen Shire Council advises of the immediate introduction of a temporary 3 tonne load limit on Richardsons Bridge, Darkwood Road, due to a localised failure of the bridge structure.

Currently, traffic control is onsite to maintain two-way traffic flow across the bridge for light vehicles (under the 3-tonne load limit) and this afternoon work crews will install a Variable Message Board (VMS) to advise motorists of the change in conditions.

Further, subject to the outcome of an onsite inspection of the bridge tomorrow, it is anticipated that the following traffic control arrangements will be in place:

Tuesday 21 September 2021

* onsite traffic control maintains two-way traffic and 3 tonne load limit during onsite inspection of bridge

Wednesday 22 September 2021

* onsite traffic control maintains two-way traffic and 3 tonne load limit before 8:00am

* 8:00am onwards Richardson Bridge closed to all traffic

* Pedestrian access will be available across the bridge at most times

Thursday 23 September 2021

* Richardsons Bridge closed to all traffic until 4:00pm

* After 4:00pm Richardsons Bridge will be open to all traffic as per original load limits – i.e: 16 tonne rigid and 31 tonne articulated

Emergency service agencies and utility providers have been notified of these arrangements and motorists are kindly requested to observe onsite VMS Boards messaging and to plan their journey to allow for these arrangements.

Finally, Council apologises for any inconvenience these temporary delays may cause and thanks you in advance for your patience during these emergency works and further advice will be provided as it becomes available.