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Bridge marks milestone in flood plan

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The completion of a new $3.3 million bridge in Wallsend has been hailed as a milestone in a project that will bring “generational change” for the suburb.

Tyrrell Street Bridge is now officially open, marking an important step in addressing flooding in Wallsend.

The project saw the demolition of the former smaller and lower structure, which was built in 1930.

It was replaced with a 26.6-metre-long two-span, two-lane concrete plank bridge as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing process of flood mitigation and renewal works.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked the community for its patience and cooperation during the construction phase.

“The Wallsend community has been hit hard during the past decade from flash flooding,” she said.

“This is why we prioritised this [project] in what is a long-term, generational change project in Wallsend.”

Replacing Tyrrell Street Bridge forms part of the council’s Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, which proposes another two bridges at Boscawen Street and Nelson Street be replaced, increasing the flow capacity at the Cowper Street Bridge, and planning for how Hunter Water’s channel can be widened to allow better water flow during heavy rainfall.

Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn said the project was also the starting point of a larger program of works to benefit residents, businesses, property owners and visitors to the suburb.

He added a long-term vision for the renewal of the Wallsend local centre was starting to take place following the adoption of the Wallsend Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan.

“The plan aims to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic, as well as improve amenity, accessibility and connectivity for the community,” he said.

“We’ll be having a conversation with the community about how the plan takes shape and what the ideal future for Wallsend looks like, including heritage preservation, more seating and shade, greener streets, and public access to technology like Wi-Fi.”

The council also plans to restore ageing infrastructure, such as roads, footpaths, lighting and draining, throughout the town centre.

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