Extensive maintenance work starts on historic Morpeth Bridge

The work began last week and is expected to take nine months to complete.

The bridge, which was completed in 1898 and is on the state heritage register, will be repainted and a number of timber truss elements will be replaced.

Transport for NSW Regional Director North, Anna Zycki, said Transport for NSW will carry out work, including replacing timber truss elements and repainting the bridge

"Morpeth Bridge is assessed as being nationally significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical characteristics," Transport for NSW Regional Director North, Anna Zycki said.

"This work will ensure it continues to serve and connect the community and visitors."

Work will take place between 6am and 4pm from Monday to Thursday.

For the safety of road users and workers, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place.

Work will also be carried out from a barge under the bridge with part of the river closed to marine traffic and a 4 knot speed restriction in place.

The bridge is expected to be required to be closed for safety reasons for a single night later in June and Transport for NSW will provide more information prior to the bridge closure along with detours for road users.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison welcomed the work, and asked motorists to be patient to any possible disruptions.

"Morpeth Bridge is one of Maitland's most iconic sights," Ms Aitchison said. "It is a renowned example of a timber trestle bridge with Allan trusses and is rightly listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

"The technical and historic elements of the Morpeth Bridge enshrine it as a structure of national significance and I'm pleased that Transport for NSW is working to continue its preservation and safe operation."

Transport for NSW confirmed the works have been in the pipeline for some time and that the reduced traffic due to COVID-19 was not a factor in the decision to start the work.