Paynes Crossing Bridge – on the road from Wollombi to Broke – will be replaced, with the Federal Government contributing half of the $1.33 million cost. Cessnock Council entered a joint submission with Singleton Council for the funding.

Cessnock Council also received $437,000 towards the refurbishment of Whitings Bridge on Quorrobolong Road.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said it was fantastic to see the submissions were successful.

“The replacement of Paynes Crossing Bridge and refurbishment of Whitings Bridge already formed part of Council’s 2017-2021 Delivery Program under the Bridges Construction Program and with this commitment from the Federal Government we are now able to get these projects underway and completed sooner than anticipated,” he said.

“We have a large number of bridges across the Cessnock local government area requiring replacement and opportunities like the Bridges Renewal Program provide us with the chance to gain the additional funding to do so,” he said.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester said that there has been $162.53 million of funding allocated towards round three of the Bridges Renewal Program.

Mr Chester said that the renewal and upgrade of the 186 bridges in the third round will deliver social and economic benefits for regional communities.