New funding kick-starts development of Thornton rail bridge duplication

The New South Wales Government is committing $15 million towards the duplication of the Thornton rail bridge in Maitland. 

The funding will kick-start planning and initial works on the project after being on hold for more than ten years. 

“The NSW Government is delivering on our commitment to take the Thornton rail bridge duplication to the next stage and finally get the wheels turning on this much-needed project. 

“Thornton and the surrounding areas are key to the Maitland region’s success. We must invest in key infrastructure projects to support a growing area of regional significance,” Premier Chris Minns said. 

Maitland is estimated to see growth of up to 7,000 residents and 3,500 jobs over the next two decades, making it the fastest growing regional city in the State. 

Delivering the Thornton rail bridge duplication project will help ease congestion in the area while expanding access to Thornton Road to offer a flood-free route for locals during natural disasters. 

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of the hard work we’ve done to ensure Thornton residents will enjoy smooth and safe travel in future. 

“The precinct is so congested during peak periods and flooding that it may as well double as a bumper-to-bumper car park sometimes. 

“This will be a game changer for essential workers who are constantly stuck in traffic and are spending hours in the car to get to work, education and medical appointments. 

“As one of the flood-free routes connecting the northern parts of Maitland to the M1, Pacific Highway and the Hunter Expressway, the duplication of this bridge is vital for our community,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

The State Government is now focused on delivering a safe and reliable road network to the fast-growing East Maitland, keeping in pace with the region’s growth. 

Consultation with community members and stakeholders will now get underway, covering some key issues such as tie in points to the north and the south of the bridge, construction over an operational line, utility, and property impacts. 

“This announcement is the first step in delivering a crucial infrastructure project to the Thornton region, to ensure the area continues to thrive as it grows into the future. 

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen people flock from the cities to our regions, with this trend continuing it’s important that we invest in projects like this that support connectivity across regional and rural NSW. 

“The NSW Government will continue to invest in projects just like the Thornton rail bridge duplication to ensure that as our regions continue to grow, they have the infrastructure they need to thrive and stay connected,” NSW Regional and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Newcastle Weekly; Rail Express; Infrastructure Magazine