Ms Claydon has called on the Morrison government to cover the cost of the crossing, which is a priority under the Wallsend Flood Mitigation Strategy. City of Newcastle council had sought support for the project, which is estimated to cost between $3 million and $4 million, but the federal MP said she believed it was beyond local government alone to deliver the project. 

The bridge rebuild is one of three earmarked in the suburb, alongside bridges in Tyrell Street and Nelson Street that require upgrades.

“While the council has already allocated funds for the Tyrell Street bridge replacement, it is seeking funds elsewhere for Nelson Street, and I would like to see the federal government pitch in to rebuild Boscawen,” Ms Claydon said. 

“A number of issues have been identified, including the low clearance on the bridge, the handrails and the intermediate piers, which have a high chance of trapping cars, shopping trolleys and items that come down through the drainpipes, causing blockages.”

Ms Claydon said rebuilding the bridge would be “a shot in the arm to drive confidence” in the area. 

"It's been nearly 12 years since the superstorm wreaked havoc on Wallsend, but every time it rains hard the people of Wallsend—the residents and business owners—are on tenterhooks wondering if this is going to happen again,” she said. 

"Given we are so close to an election, I am also impressing upon my Labor colleagues the importance of this project.