The state government says it's coming through on it's commitment to ease traffic congestion in Maitland, by investing $15 million into the next stage of the Thornton Rail Bridge Duplication Project.
It comes with an estimated 7,000 new residents expected to call Maitland home within the next 20 years.
The funding will be used to kick-off initial planning works to duplicate the bridge, with the hopes of expanding access out to Thornton Road, offering residents a flood-free route during natural disasters.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was in Thornton for the announcement on Friday, and said community members have been calling out for a quicker, more secure route in and out of Maitland.
"These are flood-prone areas that need evacuation routes in the event of a natural disaster, and so it's not just a question of ease of mobility and infrastructure upgrades, this is essential in ensuring that you've got a resilient community that can deal with the effect and the threat of flooding in Maitland."
Community consultation on the project is expected to begin soon, following the funding announcement.
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| NSW Premier Chris Minns |
