The $2.6 million structure – due to open to traffic in less than a fortnight – sits comfortably above the one in 20 year flood level.

Last week’s river torrents reached such a height.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council general manager Warwick Bennett said the old bridge would have been under water last week.

“The original design of the bridge was abandoned in July last year because it was not on the road reserve,” Mr Bennett said.

“This forced Council to redesign the bridge, including increasing its height by about 3.8m.

The new, higher bridge is now above 20-year flood levels.

“The Shoalhaven River has been subject to a substantial amount of rain recently, in excess of a one in 20 year flood, however the bridge is still well above the flood levels.

“In fact there was nearly 1.5m of freeboard.”

Mr Bennett said locals – and motorists he had spoken to - were delighted with the new look bridge and “it will certainly help Goulburn city residents to have improved access to the coast.”

“This bridge was closed due to heavy rain at least four times per year over the past decade,” he said.

“We are now confident it won’t close more than once in every 20 years.

“Council can take great pride in its decision to spend the extra money with the redesigned bridge.”

According to a Council advertisement about road closures, the Oallen Ford Bridge is expected to reopen on September 11.