Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon admits a $5 million windfall for the Hunter Street bridge over Cottage Creek is about “future-proofing” the city.

The local federal member joined council’s alternate Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the announcement at the weekend, which will go towards the overall project cost of $21 million.

Currently, the structure plays an important role in both flood management and traffic movement in and out of the CBD.

But, at more than 120 years old, it’s reaching its end of life.

The $5 million investment, under the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, will enable City of Newcastle (CN) to fund the design and replacement of the bridge, as well as relocate the multiple utility services currently running through and beneath it. 

“It’s vital we keep Newcastle moving,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Hunter Street bridge over Cottage Creek has served our city for more than a century… as a major road for traffic.

“However, it’s time to plan ahead.

“We’re on a floodplain [here].

“So, not only do we have to ensure its safety moving forward, we also need to set up for the future in terms of being able to manage flood waters and increased weather events.”

Mr Clausen thanked the Commonwealth for its support.

“The latest funding is a strong example of local and federal governments working together to deliver for Newcastle,” he said.

“It will guarantee this ageing bridge is replaced with infrastructure that improves safety, resilience and connectivity.

“As well, it builds on CN’s significant capital works program, helping deliver a $21 million venture that council couldn’t fund alone.

“This crucial roadway is utilised by pedestrians, busses, freight and, of course, many, many motorists each day.

“I know a lot of work has already been undertaken by council staff about how to manage [traffic] when a construction timeframe is officially released.

“There will be times when sections of Hunter Street will need to be closed.

“But, they’ve worked through a schedule to limit those closures and diversions as much as possible, because it is such an important roadway for the city.

“And, when more information is available, we’ll inform the community.”

Cr Clausen explained the magnitude of the work could not be understated.

“We must alleviate some of the upstream flooding risk,” he said.

“We’re also addressing a bridge that has some structural integrity issues, which were identified.

“It’s been load limited for several years, too, because of the concerns about the structure.

“So, it needs to be replaced.

“The federal funding will go a long way to supporting that work because council has already begun the project with land acquisitions.

“We’ve purchased some of the buildings that sit atop the bridge so they can be removed.”

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