TAREE'S Martin Bridge looks like "something out of a war zone", according to a local businessman who has stepped up his letter writing campaign seeking urgent State government attention.
The businessman, who does not want to be identified, began campaigning about the eyesore several years ago, and had discussions with then mayor, the late Mick Tuck.
"We thought that perhaps Taree's Aboriginal community could become involved and paint a rainbow serpent or similar theme across the bridge, which would be a unique attraction," the businessman said.
But nothing eventuated, and the businessman fired off a letter this year to the NSW roads minister asking for repairs, including a cosmetic 'facelift'.
He received a reply earlier this month from the new minister, Michael Daley, who said the comments about the bridge's current condition had been "closely examined".
"The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) advises me that it regular inspects Martin Bridge and that maintenance works are undertaken to ensure the bridge is structurally safe for the community," Mr Daley said.
"I am advised works recently completed on the bridge include maintenance of the expansion joints and resurfacing of the bridge deck."
Mr Daley said patch painting of the steel below the deck is planned for early next year.
However it was Mr Daley's next paragraph that particularly irked the businessman.
"Routine maintenance, including spot painting will continue to be undertaken until a further repaint of the bridge is required," Mr Daley's letter said.
The businessman quickly fired off another letter to Mr Daley questioning the term 'required'.
"Required? This Martin Bridge was in need of the work (repaint) well before 2008," the businessman's letter said.
"I disagree with the interpretation of the RTA and their words 'until a full repaint of the bridge is required'," he further wrote.
"I drove over it twice today to personally inspect each and every beam/girder.
"It is an utter disgrace. It is showing rust or discolouration everywhere. Not just a beam here and there, but everywhere.
"It does look like the appearance one would see on television in a war zone. True.
"And what is this 'spot painting'? If you can tell me where this is being done I would personally walk the bridge to inspect it."
The businessman told Mr Daley he understands that the minister can only reply to information he receives "from others", but in this case "the information you must have received on our Martin Bridge over the Manning River is inaccurate."