Multimillion-dollar project delivers renewed stability for Memorial Drive

City of Newcastle has wrapped up a $5 million project to improve the safety and accessibility of a key coastal route used by more than 10,000 cars every day.

The project was designed to stabilise a 115-metre section of embankment alongside Memorial Drive that had suffered a significant landslip during heavy rainfall.

A robust retaining wall made from steel-reinforced concrete piles was installed to shore up the site, while upgrades were completed at the base of the existing stormwater channel to improve the flow of water during periods of heavy rain.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and City of Newcastle's Manager Projects - Sustainability David Grejsen at Memorial Drive, Bar Beach.Pedestrians are also benefitting from the upgrade, which delivered a new street-level footpath on top of the renewed embankment to provide safer access for those on foot.

The project was supported with $3 million from the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery Program.   

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the project was a priority for City of Newcastle to ensure the safety of thousands of road users and pedestrians who travel along Memorial Drive every day. 

"The completion of this project marks a significant step toward a safer, more accessible Memorial Drive for everyone," Cr Kerridge said.

"Local families in particular have shared positive feedback since this project was completed, noting they now feel much safer on the new footpath with the newly installed guardrail. 

“We are also thankful for the funding from the Federal Government, which was a vital contribution to enable these essential repairs. Maintaining and improving our extensive 774 km network of local roads is a significant task, and every dollar counts.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the completion of the project.

“This stretch of Newcastle coastline is valued by both locals and visitors alike, and it is so great to see it completed in time for the busy summer period,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to have partnered with the City of Newcastle to realise this important project.”

Work will continue with the local Landcare Group to enhance the embankment through revegetation efforts. These restorative actions will promote the growth of coastal-loving plants, further supporting the environment and ensuring the stability of the embankment.  

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