BRIDGE: Thornton rail bridge opens to traffic.
Traffic will move onto the new Thornton rail bridge this week as the $16 million state government project prepares to enter the final stages.
Both lanes of traffic will use the new bridge, which will allow road surfacing to the west of the new bridge to begin.
Street parking, which had been restricted because of the work,
along Railway Avenue will also be
reinstated from tomorrow.
Maitland MP Robyn Parker said the project, which began in September 2011, was ahead of schedule and work was expected to be finished by the end of October.
“The early completion of this project is great news for the local community and I am pleased the Roads and Maritime Services has been able to deliver the project ahead of schedule,” Mrs Parker said.
“Building the new Thornton rail bridge is part of a commitment to Maitland City Council’s plan for the replacement of the existing road bridge over the Great Northern Railway Line, east of Thornton railway station.”
Seymour Whyte Constructions had been contracted to build the new bridge next to the existing one and carry out minor modifications to surrounding roads.
This included a new median strip on Railway Avenue that restricted traffic movements travelling to and from Karuah Street.
There are also changes to the entrance of the existing access road south of the bridge, and an extension to the existing culvert under Thornton Road near Huntingdale Drive.
Longworth Lane has also been sealed to provide improved access between Karauh Street and Glenroy Street.