Dual-lane, flood-resilient Melville bridge welcomes first cars

The Milton Morris Bridge at Melville has opened to traffic, with the first cars crossing after gates were removed at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, June 9. The new concrete bridge, built 6.7 metres higher than the former flood-prone Melville Ford Bridge, is dual lane and has no weight limit, with pedestrian access, six sealed car parks, and timber seating crafted from the old bridge. At the ribbon-cutting, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson stressed the bridge’s role in keeping the community connected, while Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison highlighted flood resilience. Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said the project will ease congestion at other river crossings during floods. The $8.2 million project was jointly funded by NSW and federal governments, with Maitland City Council contributing, and the structure was named for Milton Morris, a longtime local MP and transport minister who championed seatbelts and L-plates.