The Fifth Avenue/Burwood Road Bridge, which crosses the Cooks River and connects Canterbury Bankstown to Burwood, has received a $900,000 makeover.
The rehabilitation and safety improvement project comes after a frightening accident in which a car with three young male occupants crashed into the bridge fence, before plunging several metres into the river.
The trio scrambled to safety but police said they were “very lucky to be alive”, escaping with only minor injuries.
The works – a joint project, which was partially funded by Transport for NSW, City of Canterbury Bankstown and Burwood Council – included the installation of an innovative ‘Dolre’ safety barrier to deflect vehicles and protect pedestrians, along with resurfacing of the bridge road decking and footpaths. Accessibility to the bridge has also been improved with upgrades to the handrails and ramp connections.
To officially mark the opening of the bridge, both Mayors gathered at the centre as a symbolic gesture of the connection between both councils.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the project was a joint investment to improve safety for all.
“The bridge is a major route which carriers thousands of vehicles each day, including local delivery trucks and buses,” he said.
“Whether you’re driving, cycling or walking, we’re committed to enhancing safety for everyone commuting through our City.”
Burwood Mayor John Faker said he was “delighted to see this vital link between our communities enhanced with better safety and accessibility features”.
