Tenders called to replace 50-year-old Awaba bridge

Published on 21 January 2022

Lake Macquarie City Council has released a tender to undertake works to replace a 50-year-old timber bridge at Wilton Road, Awaba.

The bridge, originally built in September 1969, is nearing the end of its useful life and in recent times load limits have been introduced to accommodate vehicles until replacement works can be completed.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the proposed bridge crossing over Stoney Creek would provide a safer and more reliable route for motorists travelling through the area.

“The bridge is more than 50 years old and like all things it has begun to deteriorate with age,” Cr Fraser said.

“Replacing the bridge with a new dual-lane concrete structure will improve safety and flood protection, and remove the need for load limits.”

The replacement works will involve the construction of a dual-lane concrete bridge, pedestrian and cycling access, and an upgrade to the entry to Awaba Railway Station.

Council’s Manager Asset Management Helen Plummer said the works were part of an ongoing program to improve bridge infrastructure across the city.

“This financial year, Council has invested more than $4 million on renewing bridge infrastructure in Lake Macquarie. This includes the strengthening works to Freemans Drive bridge at Cooranbong, the replacement of a culvert bridge at Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay and the replacement of Wilton Road bridge at Awaba,” Ms Plummer said.

Works on the bridge are expected to begin in mid-2022 and be completed later this year.

The Wilton Road bridge replacement project is funded by the NSW Government's Fixing Country Bridges program and Council.

Fixing Country Bridges is a $500 million NSW Government program that aims to create a new legacy for our local road network, enabling councils to replace hundreds of timber bridges in poor condition and better connect regional and rural communities.

Stay up to date with the project at lakemac.com.au