Local NSW community want Hughes bridge

The Macksville community on the NSW mid north coast want a new bridge named in honour of their local hero, the late cricketer Phillip Hughes.

The local council has put forth a proposition to name the new bridge spanning the Nambucca River in honour of the 25-year-old batsman, who died after he was struck in the head by a cricket ball during a Sheffield Shield match late last year.

Nambucca Shire Council general manager Michael Coulter said the bridge would be a great way for the Macksville community to show support for its sporting elite.

A spokeswoman for Roads Minister Duncan Gay told AAP on Thursday the minister was working with the Hughes family and the community before deciding on the name of the bridge.

"Phillip Hughes is a local legend and Australian sports star," she said.

"His passing has been particularly devastating for his hometown community in Macksville."

The bridge, which is being built, is expected to open in 2017, and is only a stone's throw away from Hughes' childhood home.