Singleton Council has cut the ribbon on a major upgrade to Brunners Bridge at Mitchells Flat, which it says will help to strengthen freight access, and improve safety in the Upper Hunter.
The $7.2 million upgrade replaces an ageing bridge with a modern, heavy-duty crossing designed to carry larger freight vehicles.
The project was jointly funded, with $6.5 million from the NSW Government and $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
For communities in the Upper Hunter, Brunners Bridge is a vital everyday connection – linking Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and providing access to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange. The Bridge also supports families, connecting them to work, schools and local services, said Singleton Mayor, Sue Moore.
“Brunners Bridge has been a longstanding priority in Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda, and its reopening marks a proud milestone for Singleton. It’s a vital route designed to meet the needs of modern freight and agricultural vehicles,” said the Mayor.
“Gresford Road, where Brunners Bridge crosses Glendon Brook, is an essential freight corridor for the region’s agricultural producers, linking them to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange and beyond.
“The replacement of this bridge means larger trucks carrying heavier freight loads can now cross safely and efficiently. Increasing the bridge’s load capacity not only improves safety and reliability but also supports the growth of local agribusiness and helps reduce heavy vehicle traffic in surrounding areas.
“This project has been years in the making, and I want to sincerely thank the local community for their patience throughout the construction period, especially during the extended road closure.
“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration across all levels of government, and an excellent example of infrastructure investment that delivers long-term benefits for the Singleton community.”
The upgrade involved full demolition of the old structure and construction of a new bridge, culvert and approaches. Wider lanes and an improved road surface allow heavier vehicles to cross safely, reducing pressure on surrounding local roads and improving safety for all road users.
“The completion of this project is great news for locals, visitors and businesses in the Upper Hunter,” said NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, who attended the bridge opening.
“Brunners Bridge isn’t just concrete and steel, it’s a daily link for families, farmers and freight in the Upper Hunter.”
The upgrade follows the recent completion of Kilfoyles Bridge in Singleton, a critical project delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the 2022 NSW floods.
