Grafton Bridge additional crossing of the Clarence
Project overview
The NSW Government is funding this $240 million project which involves building an additional 525 metre bridge 70 metres downstream from the existing road and rail bridge. The project also includes upgrading parts of the road network in Grafton and South Grafton to connect the new bridge to the existing road network. The new bridge will consist of two lanes but has been designed to be increased to four lanes when traffic levels require it.
Bridge opening
The new Grafton bridge opened to traffic on Thursday 12 December.
Find out more about the new traffic arrangements. (PDF, 1.16 MB)
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New Grafton bridge community day
Thousands of people turned out to walk across the bridge on Sunday 8 December.
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Final segment placed
The project reached a major milestone in August with the placement of the final bridge segment.
With the last of the 176 pre-cast segments in place, there is now a 525-metre continuous span from the southern bank to the northern bank of the Clarence River.
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3D animation
See how the bridge will look once complete and check out other digital information about the project.
Project information
New bridge now open to traffic
The new $240 million Grafton bridge recently open to traffic, with a number of new traffic changes in place (PDF, 1.16 MB).
Building activities
Key building activities planned between January and March 2020 include:
- Continue building the roundabout at the intersection of the Pacific and Gwydir highways in South Grafton
- Continue landscaping
- Reinstate the flood levee wall on the northern embankment of the Clarence River
- Reopen Greaves Street to through traffic
- Start building the central concrete median on Iolanthe Street, South Grafton.
To safely carry out these activities traffic management including stop/slow traffic control, road shoulder closures and reduced speed limits may be required.
Project snapshot
- Contractors: Fulton Hogan
- Form of contract: Design and construct contract
- Start date of major construction: November 2016
- Expected completion date: 2019 (weather permitting)
- Project value: $240 million.
Project purpose and objectives
- Enhance road safety for all road users over the length of the project
- Improve traffic efficiency between and within Grafton and South Grafton
- Support regional and local economic development
- Involve all stakeholders and consider their interests
- Provide value for money
- Minimise impact on the environment.
Developing a new flood model
View the new video about the work to minimise the impact on flooding.
Project documents
Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG).
If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us.
Project notifications
- May 2020 project notification
Traffic changes in South Grafton from Tuesday 26 May 2020. - September 2019 project notification
Work to improve the roundabout at the intersection of Dobie and Villiers streets from Monday 16 September 2019.
August 2019 project notification
Work outside of normal construction hours for the new Grafton bridge.August 2019 project notification
Work to improve the roundabout at the intersection of Villiers and Pound streets.March 2019 project notification
Work ramps up on the northern side of the Clarence River as part of the new Grafton Bridge project.April 2019 project notification
Work outside of normal construction hours for the new Grafton Bridge.April 2019 project notification
Work outside of normal construction hours for the Pound Street rail bridge from 8 April to 12 May 2019.January 2019 project notification
New access road linking South Grafton and the Pacific Highway to open 18 January 2019.December 2018 project notification
Work outside of normal construction hours for the new Grafton bridge project.November 2018 project notification
Pound Street temporarily reduced to one lane between Kent and Bridge streets from Monday 19 November 2018.July 2018 project notification
Ongoing out of hours work for precast yard.May 2018 project notification
Changed traffic arrangements for Clarence and Pound streets.April 2018 project notification
Publication of operational noise reports.April 2018 project notification
The New Grafton bridge project operational noise - frequently asked questions.
Project updates
- August 2020 project update
New Grafton bridge.
- February 2020 project update
New Grafton bridge.
September 2019 project update
New Grafton bridge.May 2019 project update
New Grafton Bridge - Pound Street rail bridge.February 2019 project update
New Grafton Bridge.
Reports
- Operational noise report
Design and construction of additional crossing of the Clarence River at Grafton.
March 2018 detailed noise modelling assessment report
Clarence River bridge crossing.
Media releases
- 9 February 2021
Rail history celebrated at Grafton Bridge site.
1 September 2020
It's name on for the new Grafton Bridge.26 June 2020
Stimulus fast-tracks work on old Grafton Bridge.4 March 2020
Traffic flowing smoothly on new Grafton Bridge.30 October 2019
Have your say on new Grafton Bridge signage.October 2019
Key roundabout reopens in Grafton.August 2019
New Grafton bridge on the home straight.August 2019
Villiers Street roundabout to be improved in preparation for opening of new Grafton Bridge.January 2019
Access road open for new Grafton Bridge project.November 2018
Grafton Bridge progresses with girder delivery.
Installation of final segment for span three (March 2019)
Installation of final segment for span three (March 2019)
Installation of final segment for span three (March 2019)
Panoramic view of the concrete pour for pier 6 (February 2019)
Contact us
For further information about this project, please contact:
Phone: (02) 6640 1331
Email: grafton.regional.office@transport.nsw.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 576, Grafton NSW 2460