A new bridge will be installed on Foreshore Dr Corlette to replace the culvert that was washed away during the March 2021 natural disaster by Christmas.
Crews will arrive onsite at the end of October, with work commencing mid-November.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer thanked the community for their patience as Council worked to find the right solution.
“We didn’t want to slap on a bandaid – Mambo Wetlands is one of the most treasured parts of our incredible environment.
“I tasked our engineers with finding the best solution for Foreshore Drive and Mambo Wetlands, and they’ve been working hard since the day after the storm to achieve this,” he said.
Council’s Facilities and Services Manager Greg Kable said the InQuik Bridge ticked all the boxes.
“We considered all options for the replacement of this culvert – an engineering project of this nature in an environmentally sensitive area is critical.
“It’s a pre-fabricated bridge, which expedites installation and minimises disruption to the environment. We’re not removing or disrupting parts of the estuary and the design doesn’t produce spoil or sulphate.
“The bridge creates a bigger channel for flood water to move through should we encounter a similar weather event in future. Better flow will also increase the water quality within the estuary,” Mr Kable said.
Mayor Palmer said the new bridge was locally manufactured in Tomago.
“Local jobs are critical to this project, with the new bridge coming together right here in Port Stephens.
“The bridge will also offer safe pedestrian access, with a 2.4m footpath on downstream side of bridge.
“It’s been a tough few months – as we’re able to get out and about more, I can’t wait to welcome walkers and cyclists back to this wonderful route right in time for Christmas,” Mayor Palmer said.
Mr Kable said key milestones for the project would rollout from next month.
“Crews will establish the site at the end of October, with piling for the bridge starting mid-November and lowering of the pre-fabricated bridge in mid-December 2021.
“Weather permitting, the bridge will open by the end of December 2021, with final line works happening early January 2022,” he said.
