Third Hunter River crossing

In This Section

Third crossing of the Hunter River near Maitland

In January 2003, the NSW State Government announced a commitment to build a third crossing of the Hunter River in the Maitland/Morpeth area. A new crossing is needed to reduce traffic congestion on the Belmore Bridge and reduce delays on the heritage-listed Morpeth Bridge during routine maintenance. This project is fully funded by the NSW State Government.

What is the project?

Following extensive investigations and community feedback the RTA selected a preferred route for the project.

The project will provide Maitland with a new central road corridor connecting East Maitland to Bolwarra/Largs, and bypass the Maitland CBD.

The 5 km project involves the reconstruction of existing roads and construction of a new road and bridge. This route will maximise the use of existing road corridors, minimise property and agricultural impacts and provide travel time savings.

Improvements at the Melbourne Street/New England Highway intersection and the installation of traffic signals at the Melbourne Street/Lawes Street intersection are expected to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety on Melbourne Street.

The project is expected to reduce traffic volumes on Belmore Bridge by approximately 4000 vehicles per day, and on Morpeth Bridge by approximately 2500 vehicles per day.

Environmental assessment

A review of environmental factors has been prepared to assess the potential environmental effects during and after construction.

The review also details a range of measures that will be implemented to:

Minimise construction impacts including dust, water quality and traffic
Minimise adverse affects on heritage, flora and fauna.
Minimise impacts of the proposal on flooding and traffic management in East Maitland.
Address issues of local amenity, including; visual character, air and noise.

The review of enivornmental factors for the third crossing of the Hunter River was displayed for community comment from December 2006 to January 2007.

What happens next?

The RTA has assessed all submissions received during the comment period and the project has now been determined.

For further information

Please contact the project manager Peter Wood on (02) 4924 0664 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.