Cessnock City Council has announced the completion and opening of two major infrastructure projects, the $1.8 million Watagan Creek Bridge 1 and the $1.25 million Watagan Creek Bridge 3 in Laguna. The upgraded bridges are now open to the public, offering significant improvements for residents and the local community.
Watagan Creek Bridge 1, located 270 meters southeast of Great North Road, replaces an aging single-lane timber structure with a modern concrete bridge. The new dual-lane bridge, raised by one meter, provides better flood protection and improved traffic flow.
Watagan Creek Bridge 3, 4.8 kilometers from Great North Road, preserves the historical value of the original bridge by building a new structure over it. The upgrade removes previous load restrictions, improving access for emergency services, residents, and local businesses.
The Watagan Creek Bridge 1 project was fully funded by the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, while Cessnock City Council funded the works for Watagan Creek Bridge 3.
Paul McLachlan, Cessnock City Council’s Director of Works and Infrastructure, praised the timely completion of the bridges. “These new bridges will greatly enhance accessibility for residents and emergency services, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the efficiency of local goods transport,” McLachlan said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, highlighted the importance of the project. “This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in regional communities, enhancing both safety and connectivity,” she said.