The Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, admits Newcastle’s Tourle Street bridge was built for the time and not for the future.
In 2009, the New South Wales Labor government replaced the old bridge, with another two-lane bridge.
“In the past, it is a fact, that the bridge should have been built bigger. The question is how you respond to that,” he said.
It comes as local Labor politicians met with Mr Albanese at the site today, calling for action on the start of the second bridge.
The state and federal Coalition governments have each committed $51.9-million, to duplicate 3.8-kilometres of road and build a new two lane bridge to cater for future traffic growth.
Roads and Maritime Services says detailed design works are underway and should be completed by mid-year.
