Freemans Drive Bridge at Cooranbong is set to reopen to full traffic and speed limit in a matter of months with works underway to strengthen the structure.
The $1.3 million project to strengthen the bridge kicked off this week.
It follows an inspection in late 2019, which led to traffic on the bridge being reduced to single lane and a temporary speed limit of 40km/h introduced to allow it to remain open.
Lake Macquarie City Council's asset manager Helen Plummer said the design and delivery of the strengthening works was more complex than what was initially anticipated, which resulted in some initial delays to the project. But Ms Plummer said she was pleased to see that the works were now underway.
The improvement works involve strengthening the superstructure and deck of the bridge, which support the roadway, to increase the load capacity of the bridge and ensure longevity of the structure.
"The upgrade is a necessary step that needs to be taken now to improve safety for the 8000 motorists that cross the bridge every day, including heavy vehicles," Ms Plummer said.
The works are expected to take three months to complete, pending weather and construction conditions, council said.
The project is being jointly funded by council and through the Australian Government's Bridges Renewal Program, which funds the upgrade and replacement of bridges to enhance access and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.
