Melville Ford Bridge Project Gains Momentum with Additional Funding

5 September 2024

MAITLAND – Maitland City Council has secured nearly $10 million in funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, with the Melville Ford Bridge project receiving a significant boost from additional government contributions. This project, which is expected to bring major benefits to the community, has been enhanced with an extra $2.5 million from the NSW Government, the Fixing Country Bridges Program, and a joint disaster relief initiative from the Australian and NSW Governments.

This additional funding, first announced in April 2024, brings the total project budget to $8.2 million, enabling a broader scope of work. The new Melville Ford Bridge will be twice as wide and elevated 6.7 metres higher than the current timber bridge, significantly improving flood resilience and reducing the frequency of road closures for suburbs like Bolwarra, Lorn, and Largs.

Mayor Philip Penfold expressed pride in delivering this essential upgrade: ‘We’re going to build a new bridge that’s twice as wide and twice as high, so when minor flooding events occur, the impacts on the community will be reduced.’

The new dual-lane, concrete bridge over the Hunter River is expected to provide uninterrupted access during flooding events that would have otherwise led to road closures. The bridge project is part of a larger initiative that includes improvements to other key roads. Maitland Vale Road, Melville Ford Road, and sections of Tocal Road will also benefit from a $6 million investment aimed at enhancing flood resilience across the region.

Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road upgrades are set to mitigate flood impacts, ensuring residents have more reliable access during emergencies. Mayor Penfold added, ‘We want to make sure Maitland residents are cut off less frequently and for less time during floods.’

Additionally, a $1.9 million reconstruction and widening project for Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights is underway, jointly funded by Maitland City Council and the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program. This upgrade will improve drainage and pavement, benefiting residents in the area and ensuring safer and more reliable roads.

The Melville Ford Bridge construction is expected to be completed by mid to late 2025. Updates on the project’s progress, including road closures and traffic advisories, will be available through Maitland City Council’s social media platforms, Live Traffic, and on-site signage.

For more details and ongoing updates, visit mait.city/3XWxLqG.