Plans are in place to light up historic Morpeth Bridge to mark Morpeth's Bicentenary in November but the light how won't stop there.

According to long-time Morpeth businessman and resident Trevor Richards, cash for special lighting events on occasions such as Australia Day or Pink Ribbon Day has been allocated.

"Part of next year's bicentenary celebration is to also put in a riverwalk along the banks of the Hunter River starting from Robert Street, Morpeth through to Fig Tree Hill,' Mr Richards said.

"The walk will go under Morpeth bridge where the railway line used to run.

"The Roads and Maritime Service is painting the bridge this year. We (Morpeth Business Association) thought that while painting it they could include street lighting across the structure and then for celebrations such as New Years Eve etc, the bridge could be lit up with the appropriate colours," he said.

Mr Richards said the bridge is the most photographed structure in Morpeth. "So not only can it be photographed at day but also at night," he said.

Maitland City Council has allocated funding for the riverwalk and for the November celebration to mark the 200^th anniversary of land grants being issued in Morpeth, Mr Richards said.

He said Morpeth Business Association was looking at more of a long term benefit in terms of promotion.

"That's why we looked at the riverwalk idea and the lighting - both would be much more beneficial to the village in the long term rather than just a one-off event," he said.

Opened on 15 June 1898, the Morpeth Bridge is a timber trestle bridge employing Allan trusses. It has two central iron cylinder span supports fabricated by Mort's Dock. It is managed by the Roads and Maritime Services. The bridge was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 June 2000.

It opened in June 1898 replacing a hand powered punt.