AS a lifelong resident of the Shoalhaven, I can certainly appreciate the affinity that many have with the old Nowra bridge. Undoubtedly, it is one of the truly iconic attractions which identifies our town.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, the mind boggles at the suggestion being pushed by some that we should maintain the existing bridge in addition to the construction of the new bridge to be located on the western side.
In Wednesday’s South Coast Register the possibility of maintaining the bridge as a pedestrian bridge which could be used for weekend markets was floated.
This idea should be resisted. What some seem unwilling to accept is that a bridge serves a practical purpose; literally to transport people from point A to point B.
Clearly once the new bridge is constructed, there will be no reason to maintain the old bridge. Maintaining an obsolete bridge next to the new bridge, will leave the residents and ratepayers of our city with an enormous maintenance bill which may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more a year.
I am shocked the Mayor herself has backed the possibility of keeping the old bridge despite this obvious financial burden.
P. Ell,
Bomaderry.