City takes next step in $20 million-plus Wallsend flood commitment

City of Newcastle is a step closer in delivering a range of projects to help mitigate flooding in Wallsend with a preferred tenderer for the upgrade of stormwater infrastructure at Cowper Street to be considered at tonight’s Council meeting. 

The planned upgrade includes installing a stormwater bypass across from Cowper Street bridge which helps Ironbark Creek to manage heavy rain events which historically affect Wallsend Town Centre.  

These works also include widening and realigning the upstream section of the creek, which will be flanked by sandstone to renew the existing concrete-walled channel.  

The improvements at Cowper Street will follow the recently commenced demolition of a vacant building next to Nelson Street bridge, which was acquired by the City of Newcastle in 2018 to facilitate the future widening of Hunter Water Corporation’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.  

Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.  

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was continuing to deliver on its commitment to improving Wallsend for current and future generations. 

“We’re getting on with our $20.7 million, Council-endorsed work as part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan along with traffic improvements and public amenity upgrades to Wallsend Town Centre, which will support businesses and residents. 

“The installation of the Cowper Street Bridge bypass culvert is a critical first step before the City can proceed with upgrades to the nearby intersection of Cowper and Kokera Street, replacing the roundabout with traffic signals. 

“Further traffic improvements in Wallsend are planned under the Wallsend Local Centres Program, with detailed design for the upgrade of existing traffic signals at the intersection of Cowper and Nelson Streets to commence later in 2021, including blackspot funding from Transport for NSW.” 

A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure. 

Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later this year.