The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are strengthening regional infrastructure against severe weather, with a new flood-resilient bridge over Mudies Creek opening to traffic this weekend on the Golden Highway. 

Standing around five metres higher than the old crossing, the new 28-metre bridge is built to withstand a one-in-100-year flood, keeping this vital regional route open for longer when severe weather hits and helping it reopen sooner once floodwaters recede. 

Delivered ahead of schedule, the upgrade is part of the $133 million Golden Highway program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments. 

The project constructed the new single-span bridge and realigned a one-kilometre section of highway to accommodate the crossing and deliver a smoother road surface. 

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are committed to building more resilient regional infrastructure so that when severe weather strikes, communities are better connected, businesses can keep moving, and locals aren’t left isolated from the people and support they need. 

Construction began in late 2024, with contractor Acciona employing up to 135 local and regional workers throughout the project. 

The new Mudies Creek bridge is one of a series of upgrades being delivered along the Golden Highway to improve safety, reliability and flood resilience for regional communities and the freight industry that relies on this key freight corridor. 

More information is available at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/golden-highway-upgrades.

Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain:

“I am delighted to see the new bridge at Mudies Creek open to traffic, which will provide benefits when flooding occurs in the future.

“The upgraded crossing will provide safer and more reliable journeys for the thousands of people who use this road each day.

“The Golden Highway is a key route for mining and agriculture, so improving its resilience will deliver far-reaching benefits for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

"This is a fantastic result for the Hunter. Out here, good infrastructure isn't measured by how it handles the daily grind of traffic - it's measured by whether it holds up on the worst day of the year, when the creek rises and there's only one road left to take.  

“The Mudies Creek Bridge means our farmers, truckies and local families won't be cut off the next time the weather turns, and the Golden Highway keeps doing its job for the people and industries who depend on it.”  

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison: 

“For decades, rising floodwaters at Mudies Creek have cut the Golden Highway in two, stranding freight, isolating farms and severing the link between the Hunter and Central West. 

“From this weekend, that’s history. The new, higher, flood-resilient bridge over Mudies Creek is built to withstand a one-in-100-year flood, helping keep communities connected when severe weather strikes and allowing this critical route to reopen sooner after floodwaters recede.

“We’re strengthening the Golden Highway section by section because it is one of NSW’s most important regional transport corridors. Whether it’s moving freight, supporting industry or connecting people to work, education and essential services, every part of this highway needs to be resilient enough to withstand Australia’s weather.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“This upgrade of the Golden Highway will deliver benefits that reach far beyond the thousands of people who drive on this road every day.

“The Hunter is an economic powerhouse for the nation, generating billions of dollars in GDP and exports through mining, agriculture and other industries.

“Investment like this in regional areas helps improve efficiency and safety for these businesses, driving increased productivity for the nation.”

Quotes attributable to State Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:

“An upgrade that takes this location from being able to withstand a one in five-year flood event to a one in 100-year is quite the transformation. 

“The Golden Highway is a key regional artery which is playing a key role in our transition to renewable energy, providing a link from the Port of Newcastle to REZ project areas. 

“This means the benefits of this project will be felt across multiple sectors for years to come.”