$2.2m Westcott Street Bridge Replacement Now Open to Public

Published on 17 May 2024

Cessnock City Council is pleased to advise the new $2.2 million Westcott Street Bridge is now open for public use, with the major works completed a fortnight ahead of schedule.

Compared to its ageing timber predecessor with a 12 tonne load limit, the brand new dual lane concrete bridge boasts an added pedestrian access footway, and an open load limit.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal expressed his enthusiasm about the social, economic and maintenance benefits in light of the project’s completion.

"On behalf of the local community, I’m thrilled to see the Westcott Street bridge replacement completed and open for use to residents from the local area and the wider Cessnock LGA," Clr Suvaal said.

"Installation of this new concrete bridge will not only reduce annual maintenance costs by 80%, but it will provide a better level of service for the community."

"Westcott Street Bridge serves approximately 84 businesses comprising healthcare, administrative services, transport and construction. With an open load limit, there are no longer any restrictions, including for larger emergency vehicles, which is a huge efficiency win for our city."

Minister for Regional Transport and Road Jenny Aitchison MP said that “with this new concrete bridge, the community will benefit from better safety and connectivity including for emergency services, and improved reliability for heavy traffic, meaning better transport efficiencies."

"This sort of infrastructure is so important for country communities and it’s great to see."

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr MP said that “it’s great to see this bridge replacement completed ahead of schedule. Locals and businesses now have better access and pedestrians can safely cross the bridge."

The project was fully grant funded under the Transport for NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program.

The project commenced in November 2023. For more details, please visit the completed project page here.