City of Newcastle (CN) plans to transform Hunter Street’s century-old hidden bridge over Cottage Creek into a modern alternate.

It’s understood council is seeking to engage a consultant to progress the design for a replacement structure.

Located in Newcastle West, between Bellevue and Steel streets, the bridge plays a critical role in traffic movement in and out of the CBD.

CN has been inspecting and assessing the condition of the crossing, on a regular basis, as part of its Asset Maintenance Program.  

Council’s interim director of infrastructure and property Joanne Rigby said replacing the historic bridge was on the agenda for delivery in the coming years. 

“We are currently looking at options for the replacement of the bridge, so we can deliver a solution that is fit for purpose into the future within this busy section of Hunter Street,” she explained.

“There has been a lot of change in this area in the past decade.

“And, as our city continues to evolve, it is important that our infrastructure continues to support this.” 

Early history of the bridge is unclear, with plans of the area showing a concrete structure was in place around the late 1880s. 

In September 1900, newspapers reported the construction of a new crossing on Hunter Street spanning Cottage Creek in Newcastle West was underway. 

NSW Public Works then widened the Cottage Creek stormwater channel running under the bridge and completed other improvements in 1927 to allow for the construction of shops along the Hunter Street frontage. 

A tender for a detailed design consultant will be issued in the coming weeks to help develop the most suitable option for the eventual replacement of the structure.

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