Joint media release with the Hon Paul Scully and the Hon Jenny Aitchison
A stronger and more reliable Melville Ford Bridge in New South Wales' Hunter Valley has been approved and will help communities stay connected during flood events.
As part of the $8.2 million project, the revamped bridge will sit 6.7 metres higher than the existing bridge, much higher than the original plans, and include pedestrian access.
The new bridge will be funded by all levels of government, including joint funding of more than $2.5 million from the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP).
Additionally, the NSW Government is providing $2.5 million as part of an election commitment and $1.6 million through the Fixing Country Bridges Program. Maitland City Council will also contribute $1.6 million to the project.
The NSW Government has also committed $6 million towards improvements to rebuild two sections of Maitland Vale Road and a section of Melville Ford Road, helping to ensure residents and road users can rely on these vital routes.
Illustration of new design and photos of current Melville Ford Bridge are available here.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
"A stronger and more resilient Melville Ford Bridge will mean communities can stay connected during times of natural disasters. When the new bridge is complete, it will be higher, wider and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
"A lesson we have learnt from recent years, during which the Hunter faced repeated and sustained flooding, is the importance of transport link access and maintaining operations between communities.
"This is an example of how the Albanese Government is supporting communities to be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters."
Quotes attributed to Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:
"Another project supported by all three levels of government for the people of Maitland to ensure communities stay connected."
Quotes attributed to NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully:
"The new Melville Ford Bridge will provide a flood resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come.
"All three levels of government are helping to fund the new bridge, with the bulk of the funds coming from the NSW Government.
"The new bridge will feature two lanes, in contrast to the existing low-level, one-lane crossing over the Hunter River that is it replacing.
"This is a vital infrastructure upgrade that is essential for the resilience of the Maitland and Upper Hunter communities and I am proud of the work the NSW Government in funding the enhancements through our election commitment."
Quotes attributed to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"The new Melville Ford Bridge will provide a flood resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come.
"All three levels of government are helping to fund the new bridge, with the bulk of the funds coming from the NSW Government.
"The new bridge will feature two lanes, in contrast to the existing low-level, one-lane crossing over the Hunter River that is it replacing.
"This is a vital infrastructure upgrade that is essential for the resilience of the Maitland and Upper Hunter communities and I am proud of the work the NSW Government in funding the enhancements through our election commitment."
Quotes attributed to Government Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal MLC:
"This new bridge design will contribute to the region's resilience for generations to come.
"This new design will ensure improved safety and connectivity for residents in the event of severe weather.
"People will still get to see their families and get to medical appointments even though the region may be going through a critical weather event."
Quotes attributed to Maitland City Council General Manager Jeff Smith:
"This is a great outcome for the people of Maitland. Council has done a fantastic job with the contractor to come up with an improved design, which will see the new Melville Ford Bridge raised even higher than we'd originally planned, along with the inclusion of pedestrian access.
"This means Melville Ford will be closed less often during flooding and all has been achieved at no extra cost which is a big win for our community."
