The bridge’s poor condition has been exacerbated by increased traffic volumes since the opening of the Hunter Expressway in March last year.

An assessment of the bridge in August identified severe damage to a number of structural elements, and in response, Cessnock City Council placed a five-tonne load limit and alternative route signage on the bridge.

Council has received anecdotal evidence that a number of large vehicles are continuing to cross the bridge, despite signage and concrete barricades narrowing the bridge’s entrance – thus their decision to also impose a height limit.

“We understand the placing of restrictions is inconvenient to motorists and residents, but we need the community to understand these limits are about mitigating public risk,” council’s director of works and infrastructure Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr said.

He said council has been in ongoing discussions with Roads and Maritime Services in an effort to resolve the issue.

The preliminary cost estimate to upgrade Frame Drive Bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with an adjoining pedestrian path and associated road works is $3.9 million.

Available avenues for funding the bridge’s replacement are being pursued and will be considered by council shortly.

Stakeholders, including emergency services, have been notified of the current load and height limit.

A number of new load limits have been applied to local bridges after council undertook formal structural assessments on a further 14 timber bridges in the area. 

“Public safety is at the forefront of these restrictions. It would be irresponsible to place undue risk on motorists by ignoring the facts given to us,” Mr. Fitzpatrick-Barr said.

A forward works program will be reviewed once bridge inspections and assessments are completed for council’s remaining timber bridge assets.