The long-awaited bridge across Cockle Creek on Barnsley's Weir Road is a step closer with tenders now open for the project.
The existing weir, which has been closed since last month due to wild weather, will be replaced with a more reliable, direct route for the 2000 vehicles that travel between Barnsley and Teralba daily.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tony Farrell said building releasing the tender to market was a "significant step forward for this significant infrastructure project".
"This bridge will be a significant benefit for drivers, cyclists and the local community," Mr Farrell said.
"The existing weir experiences flooding multiple times a year, and is often closed to traffic during rainfall events.
"Construction of a bridge over Cockle Creek will ensure there is unrestricted access between Barnsley, Teralba and northern Lake Macquarie."
Related: Push for bridge to replace weir
The multi-million dollar project involves the construction of a dual-lane bridge, realignment of The Weir Road to improve road safety and construction of a 2.5m-wide shared pathway on the northern side of the bridge to provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Mr Farrell said investigations were continuing into the current structural integrity of the weir.
"We will provide an update to the community when the risk, feasibility and cost of repairing the weir is understood," he said.
Construction of the new bridge is expected to start in mid-2021 and be completed in mid-2022.
The project is being jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $4.7 million and council funding the remainder of the project.
Council has allocated $1.5 million towards the project in its draft 2021/22 budget, which is currently on public exhibition, with an additional $5.5 million earmarked for the bridge in the following financial year.
Tenders close May 25.
