A council spokesperson could not confirm a start date but said construction will begin soon as the relocation of electricity utilities has now started.

The single lane bridge will be replaced with a concrete two lane bridge with dual walkways

Council was forced to close the current structure due to safety concerns following the April 2015 storm event.

Prior to the closure, the road was a popular shortcut to the Hunter Expressway.

Funding was set aside in council’s 2015/16 budget to undertake investigation and preliminary design works to have the project shovel ready.

This assisted in securing essential funding through the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Programme Round Two. 

Council’s general manager, Stephen Glen said there had been a lot of planning behind the scenes and that it was great to see it coming to fruition at the site.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience as council worked hard to secure the funds needed for a long term, safe and suitable solution for the bridge,” he said.

Road works will also be undertaken on Frame Drive following the installation of the new structure.

An estimated completion date has not yet been announced.

Updates and information on the project are available at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/works.