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WORK will start on the Glendale Transport Interchange next month.
Lake Macquarie council approved on Monday night a $25.8 million tender by Daracon Contractors to start stage one, section one of project.
This stage involves road works, new cycling, pedestrian and bus facilities and the Pennant Street bridge.
Lake Macquarie mayor Jodie Harrison said Monday night's decision was the culmination of years of planning that involved "tears, pain and frustration".
Cr Harrison said it would be fantastic to see the project finally start.
"And people said it would never happen," she said.
Stage one, section one is expected to be finished by the end of 2016.
Earlier reports
STAGE one of the Glendale Transport Interchange is expected to forge ahead, despite the project missing out on two rounds of federal funding.
Work is due to start next month on stage one, section one, which includes road works, new cycling, pedestrian and bus facilities and the Pennant Street bridge.
This section is estimated to cost more than $25million. It represents a third of the overall cost of the $75million two-stage project.
To date, the federal and state governments have delivered $12.45million and $15million respectively to the project, while the council has allocated $10million.
The council lost a bid for a further $10million from the federal government earlier this month under round one of the National Stronger Regions Fund.
Lake Macquarie mayor and Charlestown state MP Jodie Harrison said she was disappointed the project had missed out.
‘‘It’s been identified as a number one Hunter priority by all the mayors since 2010. It’s not specific just to our [Lake Macquarie] LGA . This is about the Hunter and the Hunter’s progress,’’ she said.
The council will re-apply for the $10million grant under round two of the fund, which closes July 31.
Charlton federal MP Pat Conroy has pledged his support for the applications.
Mr Conroy said he had sought feedback on the council’s unsuccessful application from the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss.
A reply is expected to take several weeks, however, Mr Conroy believes it will help the council strengthen its second application.
Meantime, the council is preparing for work to start on stage one. Construction hinges on the council hiring a contractor.
Council staff have recommended a $25.8million tender by Daracon Contractors be accepted. The proposal was earmarked for discussion on Monday.