Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town

Transport for NSW is carrying out essential maintenance work on the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge over the Williams River at Clarence Town in preparation for future rehabilitation work.

Latest news

OCT 2020 -

Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town is now open to

traffic following essential repairs to ensure its continued safe operation.

The bridge will continue to be load limited to vehicles 40 tonnes and under.

The NSW Government is funding essential repairs on Brig O'Johnston Bridge over the Williams River to ensure its continued safe operation. Transport for NSW will carry out the work, which includes replacing the damaged bridge support trusses.

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 heritage listed Brig O'Johnston Bridge. Following approval, an environmental assessment and delivery options will be prepared for consultation with the community.

Transport for NSW will also continue to work closely with Dungog Shire on the development of Council's project to construct a new bridge across the Williams River adjacent to Brig O'Johnston Bridge.

Interactive portal

To learn more about this project, view our interactive portal for more information.

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.