Third Hunter River crossing

In This Section

Third crossing of the Hunter River near Maitland

The Third Hunter River Crossing at Maitland will provide a new central corridor with a bridge and about 5.5 kilometres of new road being built between Melbourne Street, East Maitland and Paterson Road, Bolwarra.

The project will reduce congestion on Belmore Bridge in Maitland and provide an alternative route to the heritage listed Morpeth Bridge.

This new road and bridge will provide a bypass of the Maitland CBD for traffic travelling between Bolwarra and East Maitland, and beyond.

Current status

The RTA has engaged Hunter firm Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd which has now started roadworks by clearing trees, stripping topsoil and placing earthworks on the southern side of the Hunter River near Pitnacree Road.

Preliminary works, including fencing and relocation of public utilities are progressing on the northern side of the Hunter River to prepare for the main road and bridge construction work.

What happens next?

Daracon Contractors is scheduled to begin construction of the bridge over the Hunter River in October this year. The new road and bridge is expected to be completed and open to traffic around early 2011.

For further information

Please contact the project manager Peter Wood on (02) 49093816 (during office hours) or peter_wood@rta.nsw.gov.au.

Files

Review of environmental factors

The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) proposes to construct a third bridge crossing of the Hunter River near Maitland. The proposed road would stretch between Melbourne Street in East Maitland and Paterson Road, Bolwarra.

Community updates

The community update dated July 2006 outlines the traffic management proposals for East Maitland as part of ongoing planning for a third crossing of the Hunter River at Maitland. Public comment is welcome.

Preferred option

Following community feedback, the RTA has now selected a preferred Third Hunter River crossing option. This option will be based on the eastern route option.

Traffic management plan

The plan provides an outline of the local traffic managemnt proposals in the East Maitland area. NOTE - following community feedback, the left turn into Melbourne Street from the highway has been reinstated. The left turn lane on Melbourne Street is shared with the through lane of traffic.