New Clarence Town Bridge

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The new Clarence Town Bridge will allow heavy and wider vehicle access to Clarence Town after several years of detours required due to width and load capacity restrictions placed on the Brig O’Johnston Bridge. When complete, it will remove the need for heavy vehicles to divert up to 52 kilometres to bypass the existing bridge.

The project is also expected to:

• Improve freight access and productivity
• Improve road safety
• Support local industries and employment across the Dungog Shire

Once completed, the new Clarence Town Bridge will be a dual-lane structure approximately 132 metres in length and 14.4 metres wide, and will include a pedestrian walkway, upgraded road approaches and approach footpaths.

The new bridge will feature a dual-lane structure approximately 132 metres in length and 14.4 metres wide, and will include a 2.5 metre wide pedestrian walk/cycle way, upgraded road approaches and approach footpaths.

As part of the broader project, new pedestrian and cyclist crossing points are also being delivered within Clarence Town and on Limeburners Creek Road, with appropriate signposting and traffic-calming measures to support safe road crossings. This shared path is a key first step in a longer-term plan to expand walking and cycling paths in the locality.

Council’s Infrastructure & Assets team is working with Bridgeworks (Aust) Pty Ltd to oversee the construction and delivery of the new structure. The project has a total budget of $22.8 million, which is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, including contributions through the NSW Fixing Country Roads Program and Transport for NSW.

Funding breakdown:

• Total project Government funding: $22.8 million 
• $11.8 million from the Australian Government
• $11 million from the NSW Government.

   

May 2026

Traffic Movements

The new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to single-lane traffic under the existing traffic management conditions. This will remain in place while the project is completed. 

During construction, traffic flow on Durham Street and Limeburners Creek Road is being managed with reduced speed limits (40km/h) and temporary traffic controls, including single-lane operation at times. Traffic on Durham Street and Limeburners Creek Road has been reduced to a 40km/h speed limit, and temporary traffic lights are in place as needed to manage vehicle flow.  Some delays should be anticipated. 

The community is encouraged to keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for ongoing project and traffic updates. 

Brig O'Johnson Bridge

Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.

Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.