All three levels of government agree on one thing… a new Melville Ford Bridge is long overdue in Maitland.
And, by the end of 2025, that should become a reality, with residents set to benefit from commitments to not only replace the old timber structure but improvements to Maitland Vale and Melville Ford roads, too.
The $8 million investment – consisting of more than $2.5 million from the federal and state governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, as well as $2.5 million from an NSW Government election promise and assistance through the Fixing Country Bridges Program – will also provide better resilience against flooding, which has closed the bridge several times in the past couple of years.
However, when its complete, it’ll be higher, wider and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions, keeping communities connected for longer.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is also working with Maitland City Council and other key stakeholders in the region to ensure its roads are better equipped to deal with flood events.
The NSW Government has committed $6 million towards improvements, too, which council will use to rebuild two sections of Maitland Vale Road and a part of Melville Ford Road.
“This is a bridge that has been washed away a number of times over the years or suffered substantial damage in the floods,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said.
“So, this is a project that’s been a long time in the making.
“It will really improve the connectivity around this area, one that’s important for agricultural productivity.
“Having a single lane timber bridge, especially in a flood prone location, hasn’t given the community the ability to be resilient during extreme weather events.
“Residents will soon boast a dual lane concrete structure, giving them reliable routes… at all times.
“We know during construction of the Singleton bypass, there’ll be extra pressure on Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road as well.
“Coupled with new growth in Maitland, there is a clear need for upgrade work to help relieve pressure on the road network.”
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson agreed with her state counterpart.
“While the Melville Ford Bridge is still a grand old girl at the moment, she’s well and truly seen better days and it does need to be improved,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“I think anyone who lives around here or uses it regularly will say that it’s well overdue.
“So, we thank everyone for their patience.
“It’s a vital piece of local infrastructure, whether you’re just popping down here to check out the Hunter River or travelling between Aberglasslyn and Melville.
“This announcement is a great example of three levels of government, along with the Upper Hunter MP [who was formerly in government], working together for our region.”
Maitland City mayor Philip Penfold explained the tender process would start as soon as possible.
“Council is proud to deliver these important upgrades for the people of Maitland,” he said.
“And, we’re ready to make a determination on tenders [for the project] this month.
“We are going to build a new bridge that’s twice as wide and twice as high so that when minor flooding events do occur, the impacts on the community, particularly for people living in suburbs like Bolwarra, Lorn and Largs will be reduced.
“Work, expected to take over 30 to 40 weeks, will involve the construction of a dual lane concrete bridge over the Hunter River to replace the existing timber one.
“It’ll be raised, too, reducing the time the road is closed or avoiding closures completely.
“We want to make sure Maitland residents are cut off less frequently and for less time during floods.
“Upgrading Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will help mitigate that.”
Cr Penfold said council would minimise the impact on residents during the construction phase.
“Obviously, it’ll be out of action, although I’m not sure on the exact timeframe,” he stated.
“I think the people of Maitland understand the improvement to infrastructure like this, the type of bridge that’s going to last us a century, is going to be an improvement.
“I’m sure they’re happy to have some short-term pain for that long-term gain.”
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