Macleay residents have had their say through Facebook about the proposed second Kemspey traffic bridge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A review of planning for a new bridge to join South and West Kempsey is underway with traffic investigations being carried out today and Thursday.
Related content: Traffic studies to be carried out for proposed second Kempsey bridge
The proposed bridge has split the community, with some saying it’s no longer needed after the bypass and others arguing it would reduce the amount of time it currently takes during peak times to reach West Kempsey.
A number of locals agree that since Kempsey was bypassed by the Pacific Highway in 2013 the amount of traffic in the town has decreased dramatically.
Lem Yenaled said in a comment on Facebook that, because of this, there is no longer the need for a second bridge.
“No. At the worst it takes 15 minutes to get across. Before the bypass, yes. But it’s not needed now,” she said.
Jake Sanders agreed: “Would have been handy pre-bypass but surely has a low cost/benefit now.”
Many community members raised the argument in support of a second bridge saying it would reduce the amount of time it takes emergency services to get in and out of West Kempsey.
Benjamin Jackson said a second bridge would help our local emergency personnel.
“I think South needs to meet West, it would make it easier for people to get to the hospital and would make the job easier for emergency teams,” he said.
Ally Jasmine also agreed that it would cut travel time.
“It would more than halve the time getting to and from work everyday and save crucial time in emergencies,” she said.
Community feedback on the proposed second bridge will form an important part in preparing the business case, along with traffic, environment and heritage studies.
The community will also be kept informed as investigations progress.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
