Detours around Brunners Bridge as replacement works progress

Published on 18 October 2024

A project to boost road safety and connectivity in Singleton will kick into high gear this month with Brunners Bridge to close to traffic and detours put in place to make way for the construction of an all-new structure. 

Supported by $6,500,000 from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, the Brunners Bridge project will include full demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new bridge, culvert and associated bridge approaches.

A traffic detour will be in place throughout the construction period, beginning on Monday 21 October 2024.  

All vehicles will be detoured via Glendon Lane and Glendon Road while light vehicles will have the additional option to be detoured via Mitchells Flat Road.

Council awarded the $5.34 million tender for the construction of the new Brunners Bridge to Saunders Civilbuild in June 2024.

The project is estimated to be completed by late 2025 (weather dependant).

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

“Brunners Bridge is a critical piece of local infrastructure in the Hunter, providing freight connectivity between Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and being relied upon by locals and visitors alike travelling throughout the region.

“It is wonderful to see all levels of government coming together to make this project happen.

“It’s great news that works are about to start on this much needed piece of infrastructure.

“I know the local farmers are keen to see the new bridge in place as they will be saving more than $300 per truckload.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP:

“I am so pleased to see work progressing on the replacement of Brunners Bridge.

“Not only will the new bridge provide safer access for all vehicles, but it will accommodate better access for trucks transporting products from local agricultural suppliers to freight hubs across NSW.

“I look forward to seeing the new bridge in place and thank the community for their patience while work is underway.” 

Quotes attributed to Singleton Council Acting Director Infrastructure and Planning Services, Mary-Anne Crawford: 

“While bridge closure would impact road users in the short-term, the community would benefit from the project in the long run.

“Replacing Brunners Bridge has been a key item on Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda for many years and we’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for their support in making it happen. 

“Gresford Road, where Brunners Bridge is located over the Glendon Brook, is an essential freight route for the agricultural suppliers of the region, linking them to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange.

“This bridge replacement will allow larger trucks carrying heavier freight loads to safely cross the bridge. By increasing the bridge’s weight capacity, it will lower heavy vehicle traffic volumes in the area and will accommodate new and existing agribusiness opportunities in our area.

“Works also include improving the road surface and widening the lanes, ultimately improving safety for all vehicles.”

For more information and construction updates, visit: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/brunnersbridge