Kleinfelder was engaged to prepare the historical heritage assessment for the Old Maitland Road upgrade at Sawyers Gully. The upgrade is part of the Fixing Local Road Program and focuses on the 3,072m unsealed section of the pavement through the section commonly referred to as the 21 bends.

Project Overview

Originally built as part of the Great North Road heading north from Sydney in the 1820s / 1830s, Old Maitland Road is connected with early colonial history with connotations of settlement in the Hunter Valley region. The road is within a Council conservation area with items such as sandstone culverts, a large brick culvert, and forester huts. Given the area’s historical significance, a historical heritage assessment was request by the client. Accordingly, as part of Kleinfelder’s Review of Environmental Factors, an Aboriginal Due Diligence assessment was also conducted.

Study Review Findings

Both desk and field surveys were conducted to ascertain the continued existence and condition of historically significant structures, namely:

• First World War Memorial Gates (War Memorials register 2021)
• Sandstone culverts including an exceptionally rare design type
• Old timber bridge
• Forestry hut registered in conservation area
• Brick culvert

Project Results

Upon site inspection and historical research, Kleinfelder identified appropriate recommendations for the project design including:

• the requirements for further historical heritage assessment
• consideration to the condition and repair of sandstone culverts
• further assessment and restoration of the brick culvert to maintain heritage status
• process of consideration given to any unexpected archaeological finds

Kleinfelder’s heritage assessments have contributed to the design and continued preservation of heritage in the area, along with improved services to commuters.

Project Details

Location:
Sawyers Gully, NSW

Owner:
Cessnock City Council