Cuttagee Bridge renewal
- Project typeRoads and Bridges
- Project scheduleIn Progress
Cuttagee Bridge is nearing the end of its functional life and planning is underway to determine its future design and configuration.
Project Background
Cuttagee Bridge is located on the Tathra to Bermagui Road, part of Main Road 272 (MR 272) and crosses the Cuttagee Lake entrance area at the northern end of Cuttagee Beach. It is a crucial road link between Barragga and Bermagui providing access to the Sapphire Coast.
The road also provides an important sealed alternative access to the Princes Highway in this region, from Tilba (or Cobargo) in the north, to Tathra, Bega and further south to Merimbula and Pambula via Sapphire Coast Drive and Arthur Kaine Drive. It provides emergency services access to an increasing residential rural population.
MR 272 also forms an integral part of the tourist facility of this coastal shire and is marked as a Tourist Route. It provides access to the popular Mimosa Rocks National Park, including the four camp sites at Aragunnu, Picnic Beach, Middle Beach and Gillards Beach. As summer tourists swell the local population and fire risk increases during warmer months, MR 272 needs to provide resilient and reliable access to these areas.
Cuttagee Bridge was originally designed and constructed by NSW Department of Public Works in 1892, as a four-span structure. It was one of many that used the ‘simple beam’ construction, built from native hardwoods. The bridge was extended to eight-spans in 1898 and again in 1935, to 10-spans in response to shifting sands and flood damage.
Today’s bridge is still based on the 1935 structure, a single lane, 10-span bridge, approximately 110m long, with timber running boards and cross planks. The southern six spans are of traditional timber log girder construction supported by a combination of driven timber and steel piles. The northern 4 spans are of steel girder construction supported on concrete piers with a concrete abutment.
Purpose
While the existing bridge retains the form of the original 1930s structure, only the concrete substructure elements are original. The remainder has since been replaced over time, and now all in a condition which requires further renewal.
Cuttagee Bridge is nearing the end of its functional life and is now subject to a load limit due to its deteriorating condition. It is at risk of structural failure and likely to be subjected to more restrictive load limits unless renewal is progressed.
Bega Valley Shire Council has a duty to ensure community assets are safe and fit for purpose. This includes Cuttagee Bridge, which is part of a main road, which Bega Valley Shire Council manages on behalf of the NSW Government. Decisions about the renewal of Cuttagee Bridge will need to consider the initial capital renewal and ongoing maintenance costs and disruption of constructing with timber or concrete as a primary material. There will need to be careful consideration and balancing of short- and long-term issues such as risk, safety, durability, economics, heritage, tourism, and the environment.
Community Engagement
The Cuttagee Bridge community advisory group was established in September 2021 through an open expression of interest. The group was comprised of eight community members and was chaired by Council’s Director of Assets and Operations. Council also provided a secretariat. They met four times between November 2021 and February 2022, with their recommendations presented to Council in a report on 16 March 2022.
Community engagement is recognised as a key element to the successful outcome of this project and will be an on-going priority throughout this project.
In 2024, Bega Valley Shire Council engaged the services of GHD, a leading engineering and consulting firm, to partner with Council in delivering the Cuttagee Bridge Renewal project. An essential component of their work is undertaking and delivering stakeholder engagement and consultation activities. During the concept design phase, GHD led a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process regarding the three concept design options agreed between Transport for New South Wales and Bega Valley Council. The engagement activities included two online ‘Have Your Say’ surveys, two community ‘drop-in’ sessions and a public forum held at the Murrah Hall. Targeted stakeholder meetings were also undertaken. The Community Engagement Outcomes Report(PDF, 7MB) is available on the project page.
Funding
During the 2023 NSW election, a commitment of $15M was made for the repair and restoration of Cuttagee Bridge. In January 2024 Council formally accepted the funding offer from the NSW Government, administered through Transport for NSW.
At its May 2026 meeting, Council resolved to write to the NSW Government requesting that the State fully fund the project on the condition that it be delivered as a two-lane hybrid bridge (Concept Option 2), incorporating decorative timber elements to reflect the heritage character of the existing bridge, with an attached shared pathway and handrails.
In July 2026, Bega Valley Shire Council and Transport for NSW executed a revised funding deed.
The revised funding deed provides the full funding to deliver the Cuttagee Bridge Replacement Project, including a new two-lane hybrid bridge with decorative timber elements, an attached shared pathway and handrails, reconstruction and realignment of the bridge approaches, demolition of the existing bridge, construction of a temporary bridge to maintain traffic access during construction and associated site rehabilitation works.
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan
This project is connected to Council's Community Strategic Plan through Outcome 5: Connected Communities:
Goal 10: We have a network of good quality roads, footpaths and cycleways connecting communities throughout the Shire and beyond.
Design Option Determination
Following Council's decision on 12 November 2025 to proceed with a two-lane concrete bridge with an attached pathway and handrails, Council resolved on 6 May 2026 to request that the NSW Government fully fund the project on the condition that it be delivered as the two-lane hybrid bridge design (Concept Option 2), incorporating decorative timber elements to reflect the heritage character of the existing bridge.
In July 2026, Bega Valley Shire Council and Transport for NSW executed a revised funding deed to deliver the updated project scope.
The project is progressing through the detailed design phase. The design documentation and Review of Environmental Factors (REF) will be updated to reflect the revised project scope before the REF is determined and published on Council's website.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Cuttagee Bridge Renewal project and what are the main project objectives?
The Cuttagee Bridge Renewal project aims to replace the deteriorating Cuttagee Bridge, which is nearing the end of its functional life and is subject to weight and speed restrictions due to its poor condition.
The three primary objectives for this project are:
- Improve road safety and accessibility.
- Reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
- Ensure a resilient and sustainable road network.
2. Where is Cuttagee Bridge located?
Cuttagee Bridge is located on the Tathra-Bermagui Road and crosses the Cuttagee Lake entrance area at the northern end of Cuttagee Beach. It is a crucial road link between Barragga Bay and Bermagui, providing access to the Sapphire Coast. The road also provides an important sealed alternative access to the Princes Highway in this region, from Tilba (or Cobargo) in the north, to Tathra, Bega and further south to Merimbula and Pambula via Sapphire Coast Drive and Arthur Kaine Drive. It provides emergency services access to an increasing residential rural population in Bermagui and surrounding areas.
3. Why is the Cuttagee Bridge being renewed?
3.The bridge is in danger of a potentially serious structural failure unless remedial action is taken. The renewal is necessary to ensure the bridge remains safe, secure, and fit for purpose for decades to come. Currently, ongoing maintenance of the existing bridge is required to ensure it remains safe for public use. This maintenance is costly for Council to undertake and can require road closures that affect the local community. This maintenance burden will only get worse in the future unless renewal is undertaken.
4. Why doesn't Council just repair the existing bridge?
The existing bridge is past the end of its design life having been modified and repaired many times and is no longer a good example of its type. It is not economically feasible to keep repairing as components progressively deteriorate. 100-year design life is part of the project requirements under AS5100 and the best option is for a full asset renewal meeting modern standards.
The timber girders have been severely impacted by the harsh marine environment. Loss of section, and deterioration of wood including longitudinal cracks significantly impact the flexural capacity. The wooden supports are severely damaged, and all have undergone strengthening works. The steel girders have also been severely affected by the saline environment with severe localised corrosion. The concrete substructure also has severe defects including cracking of the structure exposing reinforcement and corrosion.
Council is focused on providing assets that are resilient to natural disasters, such as bushfires and flooding, to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the functionality of the transport network.
5. What were the design options for the new Cuttagee Bridge?
Council engaged a bridge designer and three concept designs were developed as required by the Transport for NSW funding deed.
The scope of the three concept design options is outlined below:
- Option 1: A single-lane hybrid structure with decorative timber, attached shared pathway, and handrails.
- Option 2: A two-lane hybrid structure with decorative timber, attached shared pathway, and handrails.
- Option 3: A two-lane concrete structure with attached shared pathway and handrails.
During the development of each option the project team have carefully considered a range of inputs including safety, durability, risk, construction and maintenance costs, community feedback, geographic constraints, constructability, heritage, tourism, and the environment.
At its meeting on 12 November 2025, Council resolved to proceed with Option 3. Following a further resolution by Council in May 2026 requesting full State funding for the delivery of Option 2, Bega Valley Shire Council and Transport for NSW executed a revised funding deed in July 2026.
The project is now progressing with a two-lane hybrid bridge featuring decorative timber elements, an attached shared pathway and handrails.
6. What is a detailed design?
A detailed design is far more complex than a concept design and includes technical plans on how to actually build the bridge. A detailed design also allows greater clarity on the estimated construction costs. Council will be seeking tenders for the construction of the bridge once a detailed design, relevant approvals and allocation of construction funding have been finalised.
7. Who is responsible for the project?
Bega Valley Shire Council has engaged the services of GHD, a leading engineering and consulting firm, to partner with Council in delivering the Cuttagee Bridge Renewal project. Chris O’Brien and Company have been engaged as the bridge designer and NGH are the engaged environmental and planning consultants.
8. How long will the bridge be closed for?
The project team understand the impact that road closures have on the community, including local businesses, and together with the designer are developing a construction methodology that limits disruption to the public as much as practical. The methodology recommended by the bridge designer involves the provision of a temporary bridge and access track to facilitate the flow of live traffic during construction. While some road closures will likely be inevitable, extended closures will be avoided to minimise impact to the public. Details are still being worked through, and we will keep the public updated through Councils major projects page.
9. How is community safety being considered?
The new bridge is required to meet current design standards to ensure the safety of all road users. Council understands that the Cuttagee Lake and Beach is a well visited area by both local residents and tourists alike, particularly during the summer months, and providing safe access is critical. Council is considering parking layout options, beach access points and pedestrian links to ensure that the broader Cuttagee precinct is safe and accessible to all visitors.
10. What is the environmental impact of the project?
The Cuttagee Bridge Renewal project team will carefully consider environmental factors to minimise the project’s impact. Temporary impacts on wildlife, water quality, and vegetation may occur during construction. The project team will work to mitigate these impacts through careful planning and adherence to environmental regulations. Additionally, the new bridge design will aim to be resilient to climate change and a changing landscape, ensuring long-term accessibility.
11. What is the budget for the project and how much will it cost to build?
The project is fully funded through a revised funding deed between Bega Valley Shire Council and Transport for NSW.
The funding supports delivery of a new two-lane hybrid bridge with decorative timber elements, an attached shared pathway and handrails, reconstruction and realignment of the bridge approaches, demolition of the existing bridge, construction of a temporary bridge to maintain traffic access during construction, and associated site rehabilitation works.
The detailed design phase is continuing and will further refine the construction methodology and project costs.
12. Is Council working on a Precinct Study related to the project?
Council secured funding under the Cuttagee Bridge Renewal Project to undertake a precinct study. This study, which is under review, will identify high-level opportunities for the area. At this early stage, there is no endorsed position on future proposals for the precinct, and no funding beyond this initial study phase.
Council recognises the importance of considering the broader precinct, including pedestrian movement, potential parking layouts (noting there is currently no formal parking), beach access points, and safe pedestrian links. These elements will be explored further once funding is secured and stakeholder engagement occurs.
14. Is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required for the Cuttagee Bridge project?
No. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required for the Cuttagee Bridge project.
The project is being assessed under Part 5 (Division 5.1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), which applies to activities carried out by or on behalf of a public authority, such as Council, that are permitted without development consent under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021.
Council is required, under section 5.5 of the EP&A Act and section 171 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, to prepare a Review of Environmental Factors (REF). The REF will examine and take into account, to the fullest extent possible, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of the project, including environmental, heritage, Aboriginal cultural heritage, biodiversity and coastal considerations.
The REF is the appropriate and legislated assessment pathway for the Cuttagee Bridge project. Once finalised and determined, the REF will be made publicly available on Council’s website.
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