Construction has started on the new Umbagong Park bridge upgrades following a safety audit which revealed popular running and walking bridges needed to be replaced.
Welcoming the beginning of work, the Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said this was the first significant upgrade to the bridges since they were constructed in 1986.
“Three new pedestrian bridges within the Umbagong District Park will replace the timber bridges at the park, promoting safer, more accessible use for recreational activity,” Mr Steel said.
“The new bridges will be made from steel structure with a rusted finish to complement the natural setting and colours of the Umbagong native grasslands, and ensures that people will still feel like they’re out in nature while using the park,” he said.
“Following feedback from the community, a lookout with seating will be built on the longer bridge closest to Latham which means it’s accessible for people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.”
Mr Steel said the two smaller bridges were anticipated to open around the middle of the year, with the longer bridge and lookout set to open in the third quarter of this year – weather permitting.
“We are acutely aware of the environmental values within the Umbagong district park and we’ll be taking every precaution with the contract to minimise impacts during the construction works,” the Minister said.
