Lions Road Reopens with Two New Bridges Ahead of Christmas

Jeff Gibbs

Motorists have received an early festive gift with the reopening of Lions Road, following the completion of two new, flood-resilient bridges by Kyogle Council.

Lions Road had been closed since mid-June to allow for the construction of the new Lamonds Bridge. The upgraded two-lane concrete bridge, built by local contractor Ozwide Bridge Rail and Civil, replaces the previous one-lane wooden structure. Standing 1.5 metres higher, the $2 million project was funded under Round 1 of the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, improving road alignment and flood resilience.

The nearby Paddys Flat Bridge has also been replaced with a raised concrete structure, now one metre higher and two metres longer than the old bridge. This $2 million upgrade was completed in just over four months, funded under Round 2 of the same program with additional support from Kyogle Council.

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland praised the projects as transformative. “The new bridges are safer, more flood-resilient, and will significantly reduce maintenance costs, allowing Council to invest in other critical projects.”

She highlighted Council’s remarkable achievement of replacing 96 bridges in three years, supported by State and Federal Government funding and advocacy from Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison celebrated the collaboration with Kyogle Council, noting the upgrades as vital for regional connectivity, tourism, and industries like timber and dairy.

Janelle Saffin MP underscored Lions Road’s value as a scenic tourism route, adding that the works reflect a commitment to sustainability, local economic growth, and safety for residents and visitors alike.

Lions Road is now open, offering safer and more reliable access between New South Wales and Queensland.