28 SEPTEMBER 2016

Motorists are advised Morpeth Bridge across the Hunter River at Morpeth will be closed to traffic for four days early next month.

A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said the NSW Government would provide $1.7 million this financial year for work to maintain the strength and capacity of the historic bridge.

“Morpeth Bridge is a timber truss bridge listed on the state heritage register and is assessed as being nationally significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical characteristics,” the spokesperson said.

“Roads and Maritime Services is carrying out this work, which includes replacing timber truss elements, to ensure it continues to serve the community well into the future.

“To carry out the work a full bridge closure is required to enable the installation of temporary support structures which cannot be completed while the bridge is open to traffic.

The Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the bridge and Phoenix Park Road from Morpeth Bridge to the Hinton Road intersection will be closed from 6am Friday 7 October until 6pm Monday 10 October, weather permitting.

“During the closure motorists will be detoured via Pitnacree Road to the west but resident access will be maintained.

“Two maritime channels beneath the bridge will also be temporarily closed until January next year. Skippers are advised to follow the channel markers in place while the work is carried out.

“Full bridge closures will also be required on three other occasions while this major maintenance work is carried out.”

Roads and Maritime thanks the community for their patience while this important work is carried out and will continue to provide advice about future bridge closures as the project progresses.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download Live Traffic App or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.

Media: Roads and Maritime Services media unit 8588 5999 or media@rms.nsw.gov.au.