PORT Stephens Council plans to have a new bridge on Foreshore Drive opened by Christmas to replace a culvert washed away in heavy rain earlier this year.
The council will begin work next month to ready the flood-damaged Corlette site, scenes of which appeared on the front of the Newcastle Herald in March, for the installation of an "InQuik Bridge".
The council's facilities and services manager Greg Kable said the pre-fabricated structure would allow the road to reopen sooner and minimise environmental disruption.
"We're not removing or disrupting parts of the estuary and the design doesn't produce spoil or sulphate," he said.
"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."
The bridge will be built at Tomago and includes a 2.4-metre wide footpath.
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer thanked the community for their patience as council worked to find the best solution.
"We didn't want to slap on a bandaid - Mambo Wetlands is one of the most treasured parts of our incredible environment," he said.
"Local jobs are critical to this project, with the new bridge coming together right here in Port Stephens.
"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."
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