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'Game changer': $35m funding for the duplication of Thornton Bridge

'Game changer': $35m funding for the duplication of Thornton Bridge

The Advertiser20-06-2025
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project.
The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment.
The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work.
An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years.
When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.
Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project.
The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge.
"This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said.
"Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services.
The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects.
Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed.
The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand.
"We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said.
"We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities."
Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses.
"It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said.
"This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project.
The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment.
The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work.
An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years.
When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.
Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project.
The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge.
"This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said.
"Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services.
The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects.
Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed.
The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand.
"We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said.
"We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities."
Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses.
"It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said.
"This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project.
The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment.
The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work.
An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years.
When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.
Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project.
The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge.
"This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said.
"Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services.
The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects.
Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed.
The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand.
"We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said.
"We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities."
Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses.
"It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said.
"This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project.
The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment.
The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work.
An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years.
When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.
Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project.
The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge.
"This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said.
"Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services.
The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects.
Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed.
The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand.
"We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said.
"We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities."
Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses.
"It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said.
"This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
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Vulnerable pay the price for investment vehicles
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