A date for the bridge opening is believed to have been locked in, but confirmation of the date has not yet been made available for publication.
The Riv can, however, confirm that the current intentions for the ceremony is for a very low-key event that does not involve a significant amount of community groups from either side of the river.
At this stage The Riv understands there will be buses made available to people with mobility issues from 9am to 10am. The buses will ferry passengers across the new bridge prior to it being made available for pedestrian traffic.
Pedestrians will then, according to our information, be able to spend half an hour admiring the view from the bridge as they walk from one state to another.
They will also have access to a sausage sizzle and information marquee to explain more about the project and for bridge personnel to interact with the public.
The Riv believes the tight time-frame involved in the bridge being open to traffic has caused transport officials to “dial down’’ any complicated plans for the opening ceremony.
The Riv understands budget limitations are also reportedly among the reasons for the understated opening plans.
It is believed that there is some dissatisfaction from community groups in regard to the event not having the celebratory status that would normally be associated with such an occasion.
Suggestions for bands, involvement of Echuca-Moama schools, a historic vehicle drive across the bridge and celebrations on either side of the bridge appear to have gained no traction with either the New South Wales or Victorian transport authorities.
The Riv is interested in hearing from community groups who would like to play a part in the new bridge’s opening by asking what they would like to see happen at the grand opening of the bridge; maybe even who they would like to see open the bridge and what they would like the bridge to be named.
It is more than likely the name will, however, remain as the Echuca-Moama bridge.
The opening of the second bridge is among the biggest community projects undertaken in living memory.
With an impending federal election, the community is also awaiting confirmation of who will open the new bridge.
A date for the opening, along with who will actually cut the ribbon and the official name of the new bridge, are also expected to be forthcoming in the near future.
