newy.com.au – Early work has begun on an almost $4 million upgrade of a flood-prone section of Old Maitland Road at Hexham, with major construction due to start in September.
The City of Newcastle project covers 360 metres between Galleghan Street and Hexham Park. It will strengthen the road pavement, improve drainage, resurface the road, pave the shoulders and provide better access for cyclists and on-street parking.
Water currently ponds along the road edge, contributing to damage to the pavement and shoulders. The work is intended to reduce maintenance and disruption during future severe weather, with completion scheduled by the end of 2026.
The federal and NSW governments are jointly funding the project through a disaster recovery program established to help northern NSW councils rebuild transport infrastructure damaged during the February and March 2022 floods.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the investment “will not only improve safety for motorists, cyclists and local residents, it will help this important transport link better withstand the impacts of future flooding and severe weather”.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said flooding was a regular reality for many regional communities.
“This betterment package means roads and other transport assets may be able to stay open longer during a disaster and open again sooner after the disaster has passed, allowing vital food, medical supplies and other essentials to be moved and hastening recovery for local communities,” Ms Aitchison said.
NSW Recovery and North Coast Minister Janelle Saffin said Old Maitland Road was also an important emergency detour route for the Pacific Highway.
“Making this road more resilient means safer daily commutes, less disruption during severe weather, and faster recovery for local families and businesses,” Ms Saffin said.
Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon described Hexham as one of the city’s most important transport gateways.
“Novocastrians know just how disruptive flooding and road damage can be,” Ms Claydon said. “This investment will make Old Maitland Road safer, more reliable and better able to withstand future severe weather events.”
State Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the work was “about giving our community a safer, more reliable link that won’t wash out when the next heavy rain hits”.
City of Newcastle executive director of city infrastructure David Witherdin said the work would reduce pressure on council crews after natural disasters.
“That means less damage and maintenance being required at a time when our crews are also responding to our wider road network following natural disaster impacts,” Mr Witherdin said.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, who chairs the council’s infrastructure strategic advisory committee, said cooperation between governments was important after natural disasters.
“We welcome the support of the Australian and NSW governments in partnering with City of Newcastle to deliver these vital upgrades,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
