Hexham Bridge openings

Opening times, booking details and rules for vessels travelling under or passing through Hexham Bridge on the Hunter River in NSW.

Book a bridge opening

You can book an opening of Hexham Bridge at most times of the year.

To book an opening for your vessel call 1300 661 293.

Book in advance:

  • at least 2 hours ahead for bridge openings on weekdays between 7am - 6pm
  • at least 6 hours ahead for bridge openings on weekends, public holidays or between 7pm - 6am weekdays.

You need to provide your mobile number when you book - or be aware of the bridge's contact radio channels.

View the Hexham Bridge projects page for any planned work with marine traffic impacts.

View boating map 7C Lower Hunter River and Newcastle Harbour (PDF 2.63MB) for navigation details.

Beware tides affect clearance heights.

Times to avoid

Try to avoid peak road traffic times:

  • Weekdays 5:30am - 9.00am and 2:45pm - 5:30pm
  • Saturdays 10:00am - 11:30am
  • Sundays 3pm - 5pm

You can't book a bridge opening on these dates in 2025 and 2026:

Transport for NSW will carry out maintenance work on Hexham Bridge from Tuesday 23 July, including inspecting the lift span systems. We will be working between 7am and 4pm and expect to complete the work in one day, weather permitting. We will let you know in advance if we need to do any work outside these times.

The opening span will not open to marine traffic while the work is carried out. Road access will remain unaffected.

Any bridge lifts on these dates will only be considered if they occur outside of vehicular peak travel times, with requests to be in writing 4 weeks prior to the event. Call 1300 661 293 for details to summit request. Note that all requests will need to be confirmed by Transport for NSW prior to the bridge lift occurring.

Radio channels

  • Citizen band - channel 29
  • VHF marine band - channel 74

Rules

Vessel operators are to:

  • observe navigation rules when approaching the bridge
  • wait for a green light before proceeding. Transport for NSW will be notified of any serious breaches
  • give right of passage to vessels travelling with the direction of tidal flow. Exceptions apply. Follow the bridge operator's announcements over the Public Address System (PA) at all times.

Early and late arrivals

There is no permanent bridge operator on site at Hexham Bridge.

  • If you arrive early for a bridge lift you must wait until the confirmed opening time.
  • There are no courtesy moorings at Hexham Bridge.
  • If you expect to be late for your booking, please notify the bridge operator within 30 minutes of the booked time. Otherwise you may need to re-book the opening by notifying the bridge operator 2-6 hours in advance, as indicated above.
     

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