Telarah Street bridge will open to the public at 2pm Friday, with work completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new single-span concrete bridge replaced the old timber bridge, requiring less maintenance work.
Upgrades to the new bridge include improved road surface and pedestrian walkways and designated cycle ways on each side.
The $4.7 million project was completed by John Holland Group, with detours in place around the bridge since work began in September 2015.
John Holland Group project manager Nirmalya Chakraborty said weather was a factor in the bridge being completed early, along with the group bringing forward different activities to lessen the impact on residents.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast Scot MacDonald said the NSW government appreciated the patience of Telarah residents while work was undertaken.
Mr Chakraborty also thanked the residents, saying they were very helpful throughout the entire process.
Maitland City Council group manager infrastructure and works Chris James said the bridge will create a positive impact on Telarah and the wider community.
“It will provide a much safer route, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr James said.
“It’s all about connectivity at the end of the day.”
The bridge opening was particularly good news for Telarah Newsagency and Post Office owner Bruce Toghill.
Mr Toghill said the bridge closure and council road works on Telarah Street had a negative impact on his business, but that he understood it was all necessary work.
Millions of dollars were spent on road upgrades to cope with expected traffic increases from development in Farley.
“We know it had to happen and it’s going to be better for all of us,” he said.
He anticipated that customers would return to his business, but is not sure how long it would take.
“I’d be too naive to say it’s going to happen overnight,” he said.
“We’re just glad it’s over.”
Related content:
