While Weston celebrates the re-opening of Bob Wells Bridge, over at Abermain, residents continue to voice their concerns with the conditions imposed on Frame Drive.
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A five-tonne load limit has been implemented in response to the bridge’s poor condition and increased traffic on the road since the Hunter Expressway opened.
With traffic lights and concrete barriers in place, pedestrians have to walk down the side of the bridge through the creek or run the gauntlet by following the last car through before the traffic lights change.
Local teens Harry Stewart and Shane Wilson say it’s not safe or acceptable.
“It’s a long bridge to walk on foot in the time that you’re given,” Harry said.
“Pedestrian access has always been a problem, but this is a slap in the face to the community.
“They’ve just mowed the track and said ‘here you go’.”
The boys say there are lots of children from the other side of the bridge who ride bikes into Abermain, and also many young families in the area.
“What if you had a child and had to push a pram through that?” Shane said.
“They need to build a new bridge.”
Cessnock City Council included Hunter Expressway link roads (such as Frame Drive) on a list of projects it will submit as expressions of interest for the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions funding program.
However, it was ranked last of the 11 projects after councillors voted to re-order the list at the August 6 meeting.
Cr. Graham Smith said at that meeting that prioritising the links to the Hunter Expressway (such as Frame Drive) should not be as high, as it is a consequence of a Roads and Maritime Services decision.
Has your road been affected since the Hunter Expressway opened? Tell us by leaving a comment below.
