Work on a $7 million bridge to replace the Barnsley Weir crossing began on Monday.
The Weir Road structure, which crosses Cockle Creek, is expected to take almost a year to complete.
Robson Civil Projects is delivering the project, which includes the dual-lane bridge, road realignment and construction of a three metre-wide shared pathway on the road's northern side.
The bridge will replace the now permanently closed causeway. It was first built in 1925 and has served as a shortcut of sorts for residents in the area. But the causeway was often shut due to high waters in the creek and at times for maintenance.
"Wet weather closures of the weir crossing have been an ongoing frustration for many motorists in our community. This new bridge will eliminate the need for closures in wet weather, providing a far more reliable route," Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said.
The federal government contributed $4.7 million to the project.
Liberal Patron Senator for the Hunter Hollie Hughes said the bridge would ensure the "critical freight link" remained open year-round.
The council's city projects manager Adam Wakeman said the bridge featured industry-leading design.
"The bridge deck is supported by seven steel girders fabricated out of weathering steel, a first for Lake Macquarie bridges," he said.
"Weathering steel is a great choice for exposed bridges such as this as it is resistant to corrosion and provides a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to paint coating."
