Clarity on Bight Bridge damage

Published on 27 May 2025

It’s not a matter of if but when the Bight Bridge that connects Tinonee and Wingham will be rebuilt.

MidCoast Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said at the very least there will be a like for like replacement funded through the Natural Disaster Recovery Arrangements.

But Mr Scott conceded it will take time.

“First off the bat, we need to do an assessment of what is left of the old bridge and that can’t be done until the water level drops down,” he said.

“From that we will get an idea of the extent of the damage. We don’t know at this stage if it’s salvageable, or if it needs to be completely replaced.

“Either way, it’s unfortunately not something that will happen quickly. It is going to be some time before that connection is restored.”

Mr Scott said the recovery arrangements are usually based on a like for like replacement.

“Our hands are usually tied here. It will depend on the condition of the remaining old bridge; at the very least we will get back to what was there.”

In other good news, the Cedar Party Creek bridge bypass was reopened with little to no damage reported.

And the new bridge being built in place of the old Cedar Party Creek Bridge is on track for opening later this year despite the weather delays.

For more flood-related information, head to http://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery