$4 million in funding flows in for local bridges

Cessnock City Council has received $4 million for three local bridges in need of replacement. The funding was secured under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program.

It’s crucial funding that will see Kline Street Bridge, Weston, Watagan Creek Road Bridge, Laguna and Westcott Street Bridge, Cessnock replaced.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent welcomed the funding to continue Council’s work in upgrading local roads and bridges.

“Our large local government area means with it comes a significant road network that includes a lot of old timber bridges. Our Council has delivered a number of new bridges over the last few years including more recently Paynes Crossing Bridge and Fosters Bridge.”

“Shortly Council will be commencing works on Anvil Creek Bridge and now we have added another three projects to the list. It’s all about making a trip to school, work or the shops safer and more convenient for our residents.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government had accelerated funding for Fixing Country Bridges program with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils to replace 424 bridges in round one.

“That’s hundreds of fast-tracked projects that will start across the state in the next 12 months, helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” Mr Toole said.

“This unprecedented funding commitment to replace NSW’s worst timber bridges builds on the $500 million we’re investing through Fixing Local Roads to deliver better journeys on the roads our regional communities use every day.

The funding includes

· Kline Street Bridge, Weston - $1 million

· Watagan Creek Bridge (Number 1), Laguna- $1.4 million

· Westcott Street Bridge, Cessnock - $1.5 million

For more information on works Council is currently carrying out visit Council’s website.