Doyle Street Bridge Replacement
- Project typeBridge Replacement
- Project value$2.7 million
- Project scheduleApril 2026 - December 2026
Background
Cessnock City Council is replacing the existing timber bridge on Doyle Street as part of Council’s ongoing program to renew ageing infrastructure and improve road safety across the region.
The current bridge, located over Black Creek, is an older single-span timber structure approximately 8.1 metres long. A structural inspection identified deterioration in key timber components, resulting in the bridge load limit being reduced from 14 tonnes to 10 tonnes.
The project involves removing the existing timber & foot over bridge and constructing a new concrete bridge with footpath designed to restore full load capacity, improve long-term durability, and provide safer access for all road users.
These works will help improve connectivity for the local community while ensuring the bridge continues to meet current transport and safety requirements.
Benefits of the Project
Environmental Benefits
The new concrete bridge will provide a longer service life than the existing timber structure, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacement of materials over time. Construction methods will also be managed to minimise impacts on Black Creek and the surrounding environment.
Maintenance Benefits
Replacing the ageing timber bridge with a concrete structure will significantly reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. The new bridge is designed for improved durability, which will help lower future maintenance costs and reduce disruption caused by repair works.
Community Benefits
The project will improve local connectivity by providing a stronger and more reliable bridge for residents, businesses, and service vehicles. It will also support continued access along Doyle Street for everyday travel and local activities.
Safety Improvements
The replacement bridge will restore full load capacity and improve structural reliability, allowing safer access for all road users, including emergency services, waste collection vehicles, and larger service vehicles. The upgraded structure will also improve long-term road safety for the community.
Scope of Works
The Scope of Works include the following activities:
- Site setup, fencing and service locating before construction starts.
- Environmental controls to protect surrounding area during works.
- Demolition and removal of the existing timber bridge and pedestrian bridge.
- Construction of new bridge foundations, abutments, girders and concrete deck.
- Installation of barriers, guardrails and drainage.
- Road approach works, pavement, kerbs, driveways and line marking.
- Coordination of utility works including water, power, NBN and gas services.
- Site clean-up, landscaping and restoration after completion
Monthly Update
July 2026
Concrete works for both bridge abutments were completed this month, with formwork and concrete pours successfully undertaken.
Upcoming works will include forming the abutment curtain walls, pouring mortar pads for the bearing pads, and backfilling around the wingwalls to tie into the existing ground surface.
June 2026
The Doyle Street Bridge replacement is progressing well. Support props were removed this month following the completion of excavation works. Piling works are now underway, and formwork is being prepared ahead of concrete works scheduled for the coming weeks.
Traffic and Site Access
- The Contractor may fully close each site during construction as alternate local access routes are available.
- Full traffic management to be implemented including detour signage, road closure notifications and ongoing community liaison.
- Prior Council approval required on all TCP plans.
Location
Doyle Street Bridge, Cessnock
Funding
Cessnock City Council Contributions