Transport for NSW has appointed the GDS Hexham Alliance, comprising Georgiou Group, Daracon Contractors and SMEC Australia, to deliver the design and construction of the Thornton Road Bridge Duplication in Maitland, New South Wales (NSW).
The A$50m ($35m) contract, funded by the NSW Government, will build a new two-lane bridge next to the existing Thornton Road Bridge, doubling current capacity across the Main North railway at Thornton.
The project aims to relieve congestion at a known bottleneck, particularly near the Glenroy Street intersection.
Currently, about 24,500 vehicles use Thornton Road Bridge every day. The new structure will expand the crossing to four lanes, providing additional capacity for commuters, residents and freight operators connecting to the M1 motorway, Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway.
Transport for NSW expects the duplication to significantly improve local transport reliability, especially given Maitland’s growth projections.
Government estimates forecast the Maitland local government area will gain more than 44,000 new residents and 11,500 jobs between 2021 and 2041, placing increased pressure on existing road infrastructure.
The expanded bridge is a key response to anticipated demand and will ensure continuity of access during regional flooding when alternative routes may be closed.
The works package includes design and build of the new bridge, roadworks on both southern and northern approaches, and construction over an active railway corridor.
The project also requires careful integration with wider network improvements Maitland City Council is pursuing, and management of utility relocations and property impacts.
Construction is scheduled to start before the end of 2026, with completion targeted by December 2028.
Georgiou NSW general manager Nick Fryday said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Transport for NSW, Daracon and SMEC, building on the strong relationships and shared experience developed through the Hexham alliance.
“Together, we look forward to delivering a bridge that makes everyday journeys easier for the Maitland community and supports the region’s growth for years to come.”
The contract builds on the alliance members' existing relationship with Transport for NSW on major transport infrastructure projects in the Hunter region.
The duplicated bridge will contribute to council-led improvements across the road network while addressing current and future demand along Thornton Road and its arterial connections.
