Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town

Transport for NSW funded emergency repair work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town.

Latest news

Aug 2023 - Repair work now complete

Transport for NSW carried out emergency repair work, after the bridge was damaged by a heavy vehicle on Wednesday 12 July.

Repair work is now complete and the bridge is re-open, more than two weeks ahead of schedule.

New access restrictions are now in place for freight vehicles, with a maximum mass of 22.5 tonnes and a maximum width of 2.8m. No articulated heavy vehicles are permitted to use the structure.

Thank you to the community, businesses and road users for your patience throughout the repair work.

Project information

Background

The Brig O'Johnston Bridge over the Williams River at Clarence Town was built in 1880 and 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, which was developed in consultation with the Heritage Council of NSW.

The strategy was developed to address the long term management of these structures and aims to establish a balance between infrastructure provision and heritage conservation. The strategy was displayed for stakeholder and community comment in 2011. The feedback received was considered in finalising the strategy and identifying bridges for replacement and conservation.

Given its heritage significance the Brig O'Johnston Bridge was identified for rehabilitation to meet current vehicle load standards while preserving its heritage features.

Next steps

The NSW Government is funding the rehabilitation of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge as part of its $145 million Bridges for the Bush commitment to improve road freight productivity in regional NSW and reduce timber bridge maintenance costs by replacing or upgrading bridges.

Rehabilitation work is required to strengthen the bridge to meet current vehicle loads and heavy vehicle requirements, as well as help to reduce future maintenance costs.

Transport for NSW is continuing to work with NSW Environment, Energy and Science with planning progressing towards a formal application to approve rehabilitation of the bridge. Following approval, an environmental assessment and delivery options will be prepared for consultation with the community.