Kindee Bridge

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Work is set to begin on strengthening Kindee Bridge to restore its 10-tonne load limit and remove the current flood-level closure requirement.

Purpose-built, locally manufactured steel bracing will be installed around the timber piers to provide additional support and allow the bridge to safely carry heavier vehicles again.

Repairs and stabilisation work will also be carried out around the bridge approaches and piers to improve resilience during flood events.

Work is expected to begin in mid-September 2026 and continue for several months, subject to weather and site conditions.

The temporary load limit and flood level closure will remain in place until the strengthening works are complete.

The safety of the community and our workers remains central to how the project is planned and delivered.

Temporary load limit

  • 3.5 tonnes (gross vehicle mass/GVM)
  • One vehicle at a time
  • Single-lane bridge conditions apply

Flood level closure

Kindee Bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians when the Hastings River exceeds 1.7 metres at the Kindee Bridge gauge.

Flooding at this location can occur quickly, which means closures may be required with little to no notice.

The latest river level information is available on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.

Project Stages and Timeline

Dates are indicative and all work is dependent on weather, site conditions and required approvals. 

 

  • April 2026 - Investigations completed WE ARE HERE
  • August 2026 – Detailed design completed WE ARE HERE
  • August to September 2026 - Approvals, access planning and steel fabric WE ARE HERE
  • Mid-September 2026 – Construction begins WE ARE HERE
  • September to December 2026 – Bridge strengthening and repair works WE ARE HERE
  • December 2026 – Final testing and project completion (anticipated) WE ARE HERE

FAQ's

What is happening now?

The design work is complete, and the steel bracing is being manufactured.

We are also:

  • finalising access to the work area
  • completing environmental and fisheries approvals
  • preparing repairs around the bridge approaches and piers
  • planning traffic arrangements for the construction period.

Why are we taking this approach?

Replacing or fully restoring Kindee Bridge would be a major project, and funding is not currently available.

Rather than wait for replacement funding, Council is progressing practical strengthening works that can restore greater access sooner.

This provides a more immediate solution for the community while Council continues to investigate longer-term options and seek funding for a future replacement. 

Will the bridge be closed?

  • Temporary traffic changes or short closures may be required during construction. We will provide advance notice and work to minimise disruption.
  • The flood level closure at 1.7 metres and the current vehicle load limit of 3.5 tonne will remain in place until the works are complete. 

When will the 10-tonne load limit be restored?

The load limit will be restored once the strengthening works, final inspections and testing are complete. This is currently anticipated in December 2026 subject to conditions and approvals.

 

What about school buses?

  • Bus operations are currently unaffected by the 3.5t load limit, so services will run as normal.
  • Council will work with bus operators to plan for any temporary closures.

Is there a detour for heavier vehicles or during future closures?

Yes. A detour via Pipeclay Road remains open and should be used by vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or when Kindee Bridge is closed.

Council will continue to monitor the condition of Pipeclay Road. As an unsealed road, conditions can change quickly following rainfall, and drivers should travel carefully and drive to conditions.

Residents can report road condition concerns to Customer Service on 6581 8111.

Is Council planning to replace Kindee Bridge?

In 2021 Council explored design options for a potential replacement bridge and engaged with the community, who supported a new structure immediately upstream. However, funding has not been sourced or allocated to progress the next stages of that project.

Council’s current focus is on planning and delivering the rehabilitation of the existing bridge.

How can I stay updated?

Council will continue to provide updates through the project webpage, social media, and direct communication with impacted residents, especially if conditions change or further measures are required.

You can also subscribe to receive email updates on key milestones of this project via the subscribe button on this webpage.

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Location

Kindee Road, Kindee 2446  View Map

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