New Clarence Town Bridge
PROJECT UPDATE
COMMENCEMENT OF SITE WORKS
Preliminary works are about to commence on the construction of the new Clarence Town Bridge.
Commencing Tuesday, 29 April 2025, we will be establishing a site hard stand area on the northern side of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge, and clearing of the site will commence to allow for pre-construction works.
During this time there may be some disruption to traffic flow, with traffic control measures in place, and the speed limit reduced to 40km/hour.
Please continue to keep an eye on our website for further updates, and contact us if you have any questions via:
Email: shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 4995 7777
We thank you for your patience as we commence this exciting and vital project for the Clarence Town community.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Dungog Shire Council has successfully lobbied the state and federal governments to commit to building a new bridge for the Clarence Town community. The new bridge will be built adjacent to the heritage-listed Brig O'Johnston Bridge on Limeburners Creek Road and will be a much welcome addition to the Clarence Town and wider Dungog community, who frequent this important thoroughfare to access other areas of the shire, and beyond.
The new structure will allow the return of heavy and wider vehicle access to Clarence Town after several years of detours required due to width and load capacity restrictions placed on the heritage listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.
The project is also expected to improve:
• freight access and productivity;
• road safety; and
• access and for local industries.
The new bridge will feature a 2.5-metre-wide walkway/cycleway on its northern side. This cycleway represents a critical link in connecting the eastern residences and rural subdivisions directly to the town centre and enhances the convenience and recreational activity for the Clarence Town community.
As part of the proposal, crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians with signposting, blisters, etc are proposed within Clarence Town and on Limeburners Creek Road to assist with safe road crossing. While this cycleway is a great first step, it is also part of a broader, long-term goal to expand cycling and walking paths in this area.
At the January 2025 Council meeting it was resolved to award a tender for the detailed design and construction of the new Clarence Town Bridge to Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd.
Council’s Infrastructure & Assets team will work with Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd to complete the design and oversee the construction and delivery of the new structure. The $20.6 million project is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments after Council successfully lobbied to secure the funding.
Once completed, the new Clarence Town Bridge will be a dual-lane structure approximately 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres wide and will include a pedestrian walkway, upgraded road approaches and approach footpaths. The new bridge will enhance access over the Williams River to Clarence Town, in addition to the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston timber truss bridge.
Project Information
Quick Look
The current funding breakdown is as follows:
• $5.5 million NSW Government Fixing Country Roads Program
• $9.581 million Federal Government
• $5.5 million Transport for NSW
Total project funding $20.581 million.
Current Stage: Detailed Design
About the project
Scope of Works
The proposal is to construct a new bridge and associated road approaches:
• Bridge length approximately 130m;
• Two travel lanes (one in each direction) totalling 14.4m in width;
• Pedestrian walkway / cycleway;
• Bridge approaches;
• Pedestrian footpath, and
• Associated civil works.
Latest update
Commencing Tuesday, 29 April 2025, we will be establishing a site hard stand area on the northern side of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge, and clearing of the site will commence to allow for pre-construction works.
During this time there may be some disruption to traffic flow, with traffic control measures in place, and the speed limit reduced to 40km/hour.
Brig O’Johnston Bridge
The Brig O’Johnston Bridge, built in 1880, is situated over the Williams River at Clarence Town. It is the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW. The bridge is one of 26 bridges identified for conservation in the Transport for NSW Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy, developed in consultation with the Heritage Council of NSW. The strategy was developed to address these structures' long-term management and aims to balance infrastructure provision and heritage conservation.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/brig-ojohnston-bridge
Foreword: Dungog Shire Council Mayor, Digby Raywood
This project is one of the most significant undertakings we've seen in the Shire, and it's truly exciting to witness it come to life. The new bridge will play a key role in keeping our community connected and ensuring we're well-prepared for the future. It will vastly improve access and reliability for everyone. I’m incredibly proud to see this project take shape and look forward to the lasting, positive impact it will have on the Shire.
FAQ's
What is the timeline for the New Clarence Town Bridge project?
The Design and Construct contract was awarded in January 2025 and detail design works have now commenced. Construction is expected to commence later in the year.
What will happen to the existing Brig O’Johnston Bridge
The Brig O'Johnston Bridge will remain under the ownership of Transport for NSW, and they will oversee its rehabilitation and future use. As part of this project, the Brig O’Johnston Bridge will remain trafficable after rehabilitation works have been completed.
Will the existing Brig O’Johnston bridge be closed during construction?
The New Clarence Town Bridge will be constructed 20m upstream from the existing BrigA: The New Clarence Town Bridge will be constructed 20m upstream from the existing Brig O’Johnston Bridge. During construction, the contractor may require traffic control on the existing road and bridge to safely move traffic through the construction zone. There will likely be minor delays to traffic.O’Johnston Bridge. During construction, the contractor may require traffic control on the existing road and bridge to safely move traffic through the construction zone. There will likely be minor delays to traffic.
How will the construction of the new bridge impact local traffic?
DuringDuring construction, the contractor may require traffic control on the existing road and bridge to safely move traffic through the construction zone. The contractor may require traffic control on the existing road and bridge to safely move traffic through the construction zone. There will likely be minor delays to traffic.
Will load limits stay in place on the Brig O’Johnston Bridge during construction of the new bridge?
Yes, the existing restrictions and subsequent detours will remain in place during the construction of the new Clarence Town Bridge.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with the bridge construction? What measures are being taken to mitigate environmental impacts?
Council has completed the preliminary environmental and heritage assessments. Environmental and Heritage impact studies and measures will be implemented by the successful contractor. Measures will be in place to avoid, reduce or mitigate any adverse impacts.
How will the new bridge improve transportation or connectivity in Clarence Town?
The current Brig O'Johnston Bridge is restricted to vehicles of up to 2.8 metres wide and can carry only one lane of traffic with a load restriction of 22.5 tonnes. On completion of the new Clarence Town Bridge, these load restrictions will be removed. The new structure will allow for the return of heavy and wider vehicle access to Clarence Town and the Dungog Shire Council area and will remove the current need for larger vehicles to detour up to 52 kilometres to bypass the existing bridge. The project is therefore expected to improve freight access and productivity, improve road safety and support local industries.
What is the budget for the bridge project, and how is it being funded
The project’s $20.581 million budget is funded by the Federal and NSW Governments.
Will there be any opportunities for local businesses or contractors to be involved in the construction process
Council will actively encourage the successful contractor to engage with local businesses. Once the tender has been awarded council recommends that local business approach the successful contractor to discuss possible opportunities.
How does the design of the new bridge consider the historical and cultural significance of the area?
During the project lifespan, council will respect the cultural and heritage significance of the surrounding Worimi land and the historic Brig O’Johnston structure. Council has undertaken an Aboriginal due diligence assessment of the area and is working with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council to ensure all historical and cultural significances are retained.
As part of the Environmental assessments, a statement of heritage impact has been completed for the project. As a result, council has also been collaborating with Transport for NSW as the owner of the existing structure and Heritage NSW. As the existing bridge is the oldest surviving timber trust bridge in NSW, a requirement of the design of the new Clarence Town Bridge will be to minimise the visual impact on the heritage bridge.
How will pedestrian and cyclist access be accommodated in the new bridge design?
The new bridge design will include a single 2.5m wide pedestrian / cycle way on the upstream side of the new structure. The project will also include connecting footpaths leading away from the structure on both sides of the new bridge.
Are there any planned closures or disruptions to existing services or infrastructure during the construction phase?
Provision is being made for any existing utilities and services that are currently attached to the Brig O’Johnston bridge to be relocated into the design of the new Clarence Town Bridge. Council has been consulting with the affected utilities and services providers in this regard. As the project plans are developed, the project team will have a better understanding of any possible disruptions once construction has commenced. The community will be provided with information of any impacts before any disruptions take place.
How will the community be kept informed about the progress of the project and any changes to the plan?
Council will keep the community informed prior to and during the project. We encourage any community member who wishes to be updated on the project, to register their interest by subscribing to our Project communications database. We also encourage the community to stay up to date by regularly visiting this webpage, and we will also be providing regular updates via:
- the Dungog Shire Council Facebook page [insert link: Facebook
- The monthly Council Happenings newsletter (you can subscribe here Dungog Shire Council (list-manage.com)
- Direct project communication by subscribing to our mailing list (see above)
How can community members provide feedback or raise concerns about the project ?
Council encourages the community to provide any feedback or concerns about the project by:
- Calling in to our customer service desk at Dungog Shire Council