RDA HUNTER WELCOMES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDING FOR THE DUPLICATION OF TOURLE STREET BRIDGE
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP today announced that funding for the duplication of Tourle Street Bridge and Cormorant Road has been allocated.
RDA welcomes the announcement of this project which will have local, state and national benefits. This project is the first step to linking the key economic drivers of the Hunter to the national highway system,” said RDA Hunter CEO Todd Williams.
The Federal government will contribute $52 million towards the duplication of the Tourle Street Bridge and its approaches with funding already set aside in the Federal Budget. The NSW Government will provide the balance of the required funding ($52 million).
Construction is scheduled to start in 2015 following the finalisation of the detailed design work. Once completed, the improvements made will ease congestion and deliver smoother, faster driving conditions on and around the bridge.
“RDA Hunter has been working with stakeholders and all levels of government for more than three years to have the duplication of Tourle Street Bridge and Cormorant Road recognised as a national infrastructure priority and ultimately funded by state and federal governments,” said Mr Williams.
“RDA Hunter identified the need for the urgent duplication of Tourle Street Bridge and Cormorant Road; recognising it as a project of national significance which connects Newcastle Port and Airport to the national highway system as part of a broader regional infrastructure agenda.”
“One of RDA Hunter’s roles is to identify and develop the business case for the region’s infrastructure needs and articulate priorities in the state and national contexts. This is a key project for the Hunter’s and nation’s productivity. Its actualisation will help achieve economic sustainability for the region,” continued Mr Williams.
For more information contact Todd Williams, CEO RDA Hunter on 0418 115 577.