Hexham Bridge

Transport for NSW will carry out bi-annual maintenance work on the bridge from Tuesday 2 April, including inspecting, testing, and servicing the lift span systems, as well as general routine bridge maintenance. We will be working at night between 8pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday and expect to complete the work in two weeks, weather permitting. We will let you know in advance if we need to do any work outside these times.

The southbound bridge will be closed during the work. All traffic will be directed onto the northbound bridge, which will operate with one lane in each direction. The opening span will not open to marine traffic while the work is carried out.

The pedestrian footpath will be closed while the work is carried out. Traffic control will be on site to safely escort pedestrians across the bridge while the footpath is closed.

See the latest notification (PDF, 127.14 KB) for more information.

On Tuesday 26 March at 9.30am and 10.30am, short lifts will be carried out on Hexham Bridge to prepare for upcoming maintenance work.

The bridge crosses the Hunter River and carries two lanes of southbound traffic on the Pacific Highway acting as a gateway to the suburbs of Hexham and Tomago.

More than 20,000 road vehicles use the southbound Hexham Bridge each day. The pedestrian and cycleway paths provide both recreational and commuting access.

The bridge opens about 120 times each year, which is around ten times per month.

More information about the southbound Hexham Bridge opening times and bookings can be found on the Bridge opening times page.

The southbound Hexham Bridge, constructed between 1945 and 1952, crosses the North Channel of the Hunter River on the Pacific Highway at Hexham. It is one of the last steel truss opening span bridges constructed and one of few surviving lift span bridges in New South Wales, still in working order.

The 383 metre long bridge was converted to one way operation when a new northbound bridge was open in 1987. The bridge now carries two lanes of southbound traffic on the Pacific Highway, with northbound traffic carried by a concrete bridge just upstream.

The bi-annual service of the southbound Hexham Bridge usually takes place over a few nights in March and August/September of each year. The work is carried out at night to minimise disruption to traffic.

The electrical and mechanical components are inspected and tested to ensure they are in good working condition. Emergency systems are also checked. If necessary, components are repaired or replaced. Bi-annual servicing provides an opportunity to undertake other work while there is no traffic on the bridge.

The lift span (opening section of the bridge) will not be in operation during the bi-annual service and the bridge will not be open to marine traffic while the maintenance work is carried out.

The southbound bridge will be closed during the work. All traffic will be diverted onto the northbound bridge, which will operate with one lane in each direction. The footpath will also be closed. Traffic controllers will escort pedestrians across the bridge.

Transport for NSW will work with the community to provide information about maintenance at the bridge as early as possible to reduce the impacts of closures.

Depending on the maintenance work required, we will advise the local community through:

• Letterbox drops
• Electronic message signs on the approaches to the bridge
• Traffic alerts to local media
• Marine community alerts
• Social media

• March 2024 project notification (PDF, 127.14 KB)
  Night work on Hexham Bridge, Hexham from Tuesday 2 April.
• August 2023 project notification (PDF, 102.93 KB) 
  Night work on Hexham Bridge, Hexham from Monday 4 September.