Work on the new bridge at Melville is back on track

Construction of the new bridge at Melville is moving forward again, with Maitland City Council and contractor Saunders Civilbuild completing detailed assessments and critical repair plans following damage to the partially constructed bridge caused by the May and August flood events. 

In recent weeks, Saunders Civilbuild crews have carefully removed the bridge deck planks from the piers using a 750-tonne crane and realigned the structure after clearing flood debris and dredging accumulated sand and gravel from around the bridge. 

These realignment works were closely monitored by Council’s engineers and Saunders Civilbuild, with controlled loads used to guide the piers back into position. 

Council remains committed to keeping the community informed as work progresses, and will continue to share updates at key stages of the project. 

From Monday 10 November, work will begin to reinstall the beams and form and construct the bridge deck, involving 88 tonnes of reinforcing steel. Once the beams are in place, Council will be able to confirm a clear timeframe for completion. 

Council’s General Manager Jeff Smith said it’s encouraging to see progress following a complex assessment and repair process. 

“The process has been detailed and methodical, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we worked through it,” Mr Smith said. 

“The collaborative approach between our contractor, Saunders Civilbuild, Council staff and independent engineers has been critical in getting the project back on track and ensuring a strong, safe outcome for the community.” 

Saunders Civilbuild General Manager Jonathon Bromilow said “Saunders Civilbuild, in close partnership with Maitland Council, has made significant progress in repairing the flood-damaged Melville Ford Bridge, and we sincerely thank the community for their patience as we look forward to completing construction of the structure in the coming months.” 

The project is jointly funded by Maitland City Council, the NSW Government, and the Australian Government. For updates and project details, visit mait.city/NewBridgeMelville.