A new bridge is now open on Nelson Street in Greta, in the Hunter Region of NSW, opening up better access for heavy vehicles travelling through the route.
The new Anvil Creek Bridge replaces an old single-lane timber bridge. The former bridge had a heavy vehicle load limit placed on it and there was no pedestrian access across the bridge to the Greta Train Station at the western end of Nelson Street.
It has now been replaced with a new, 24-metre-long, two-lane concrete bridge with 200 metres of upgraded road pavement on both sides, and a 2.5-metre-wide pedestrian pathway.
The project is the result of a $1.3 million contribution from Cessnock City Council and a further $690,800 contribution from the Australian Government under its Bridges Renewal Program.
“The new bridge is an important asset for the Greta community as a vital road link to major transport routes between greater Cessnock and the upper Hunter Valley,” said Cessnock City Council mayor Jay Suvaal.
“The new Anvil Creek Bridge has a life expectancy of 100 years and has removed all the safety risks that were associated with the old timber bridge, which is just fantastic.
“With an increased clearance above the Anvil Creek waterway, the new bridge will also decrease the prevalence of flooding upstream and allow a less restricted flow of water downstream.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King added, “Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation, especially in regional communities like Greta, which rely heavily on local infrastructure such as bridges as the key access point for locals, freight and visitors alike.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with councils and state and territory governments nationwide to complete even more local priority upgrades.”