Construction has commenced on a new Stoney Creek Bridge on Pembrooke Road at Wauchope, with the project set to improve safety, flood resilience and connectivity for communities across the NSW Mid North Coast.

The Federal and NSW governments are contributing $6.5 million to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The existing temporary one-lane crossing will be replaced with a modern two-lane, single-span concrete bridge featuring wider approaches, improved alignment and enhanced safety barriers.

The new bridge is expected to provide a safer and more resilient transport link along Pembrooke Road, helping to maintain access during future flood events.

The original timber bridge was destroyed during the March 2021 floods, with a temporary structure installed to restore access for residents and commuters.

Construction began in July 2026 and is expected to be completed by March 2027, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said the project would help communities better withstand future natural disasters.

“The Federal Government is committed to supporting communities as they recover from natural disasters and strengthen their resilience for the future,” McBain said.

“By investing in a new two-lane bridge and upgraded road approaches, we’re improving safety, strengthening resilience and ensuring this important local connection is better able to withstand future flood events.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the project would deliver a long-term solution for the community.

“Since the 2021 floods washed away the original bridge, this community has made do with a temporary, one-lane crossing. Today we’re delivering something built to last – a stronger, wider, two-lane bridge,” Aitchison said.

“The NSW and Federal governments are committed to making our regional roads more resilient so they can better withstand Australia’s increasingly severe weather events.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the project would improve reliability for motorists across the region.

“People who use Stoney Creek Bridge can look forward to improved journey reliability in all weather for years to come,” Saffin said.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor, Adam Roberts, said the project would strengthen a critical connection for rural communities.

“This project is about delivering a stronger, safer and more resilient connection for our rural communities while reducing the impacts of future flood events on this critical section of the road network,” Roberts said.

“It is not simply about replacing infrastructure, it is about building back smarter and ensuring our communities remain connected when they need it most.”

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