Frame Drive bridge could be closed for 12 months

Cessnock City Council closed the bridge after the recent storm event to ensure public safety on this stretch of road, which has become a busy link to the Hunter Expressway.

Previous assessments of the bridge in late 2014 identified severe damage to a number of structural elements and in response, a load limit, height restriction and alternate route signage was placed on the bridge.

Since the April 2015 natural disaster, further assessment by council engineers has resulted in the bridge’s closure due to instability.

“We understand the closure is inconvenient to motorists and residents, particularly as a key route into Cessnock from the Hunter Expressway but we need the community to understand safety comes first,” council's director of works and infrastructure Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr said.

“Mitigating public risk is at the forefront of any road or bridge closure.

"It would be irresponsible to place undue risk on motorists by ignoring the facts given to us by experts.”

Council has been in ongoing discussions with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to discuss issues stemming from the opening of the Hunter Expressway – including significant traffic increase and the subsequent impact on Frame Drive and in particular the bridge.

The RMS are currently reviewing the network around the Hart Road interchange of the Hunter Expressway and assessing the scope of works required to support the most direct route between this interchange and the Cessnock township.

The timeframe for replacement of Frame Drive bridge depends heavily on state funding being made available. 

Commuters should expect the bridge to be closed for a minimum 12-month period, assuming funding is made available in the immediate future.

The preliminary cost estimate to upgrade the bridge to a two-lane concrete bridge – with an adjoining pedestrian path and associated road works and service relations – is in the order of $3.9 million.

A project of this magnitude would have significant impact on council’s budget if external funds are not made available, and council will be seeking advice from the RMS on any potential funding sources.

Stakeholders, including emergency services, have been notified of the recent closure.

Alternate routes include Government Road and Cessnock Road, Weston; Lovedale Road, Allandale and Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba; Leggetts Drive and Lake Road, Elrington.

Council advises against using Bathurst Street, Abermain as an alternate route as it is an unsealed road not suitable for commuter traffic.