Central Coast Council will replace Sohier Park timber bridge at Shirley Street, Ourimbah with a larger and improved concrete bridge through a project jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government. 
 
Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new $1.36million bridge would provide improved access from Ourimbah to Sohier Park and the nearby residential area.
 
“This new bridge is an important piece of infrastructure for Ourimbah residents and visitors,” Mr Bolgoff said.
 
“The current bridge is drawing to the end of its asset life and will be replaced with a concrete bridge that is 11.2 metres long and 12.78 metres wide, with a pier depth of 20 metres.
 
“As part of the project we will deliver a new shared pathway to connect an existing shared pathway to the Ourimbah railway station.
 
“The timing of this project has been very carefully selected to avoid the Platypus mating season, which finishes in April, and the student exam periods for the Central Coast campus of the University of Newcastle.”
 
Mayor Jane Smith said the replacement of the Sohier Park timber bridge was an important project for the ongoing development of Ourimbah.
 
“Bridge projects are a big part of the capital works program delivered by Council and this often includes upgrading existing timber bridges,” Mayor Smith said. 

“We are always conscious on the potential impact on the local environment and I am pleased that the design and timing of this project will ensure that the mating season of the Platypus who live in Bangalow Creek will not be affected.” 
 
Work will start on Monday 27 May 2019 and will take nine weeks to complete, weather permitting.
 
The existing bridge will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during works and a detour will be in place via the University of Newcastle’s private road, The Boulevard. Council thanks the Central Coast campus of the University of Newcastle for the use of The Boulevard during these important works. 
 
Please follow traffic control directions and take extra care when travelling through the area.
 
All major road, drainage and pathway projects, including for bridges, can be explored on an interactive map by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/roadanddrainageprojects.