The days of peering over the hump of the old Tabulam Bridge to see if it was OK to proceed across the single-laned thoroughfare are now officially behind us.
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The new Tabulam Bridge was officially opened on Sunday, notwithstanding federal MP Barnaby Joyce's lighthearted attempt to claim opening honours several weeks back.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin was at pains in state parliament to point out that the bridge was funded by $48 million from the NSW Government's Bridges for the Bush program. As such, state MPs were out in force to celebrate its opening, along with Tenterfield Mayor Peter Petty and Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland given that the bridge links their two areas.
Also included was retired MP Thomas George who was instrumental in getting the project underway in the first place.
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Officiating was MP Ben Franklin representing Acting Deputy Premier and Regional Roads and Transport Minister Paul Toole, along with Adam Marshall as Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW and the aforementioned Ms Saffin and Mr George.
"It replaces the 117-year-old single-lane timber bridge, which sadly could no longer meet the increasing demand of freight, heavy vehicles and tourists in the region," Mr Marshall said.
"The project has also supported 40 full time jobs and 25 local suppliers and subcontractors which has been a much needed boost for the local economy during challenging times."
The community got to farewell the old bridge, built in 1903, with a final walk across its ageing timbers. There are plans to recycle parts of the bridge into an onsite monument and even facilities for the local school and other community projects, although many are not happy that the historic bridge will not be preserved in its entirely.
