New Clarence Town Bridge
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Dungog Shire Council has successfully lobbied the Australian and NSW Governments to commit funding for a new bridge for the Clarence Town community. The new bridge is being built adjacent to the heritage-listed Brig O'Johnston Bridge on Limeburners Creek Road and will provide a modern, resilient crossing over the Williams River.
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 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 expected to:
- Improve freight access and productivity
- Improve road safety
- Support local industries and employment across the Dungog Shire
The new bridge will feature a 2.5-metre-wide walkway/cycleway on its northern side. This connection represents a critical link between eastern residential and rural subdivision areas and the Clarence Town centre, encouraging walking and cycling and improving access to local services.
As part of the broader project, new pedestrian and cyclist crossing points are proposed 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 $20.581 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.
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.
Funding breakdown:
- $5.5 million – NSW Government Fixing Country Roads Program
- $9.581 million – Australian Government
- $5.5 million – Transport for NSW
Total project funding: $20.581 million
Traffic Movements
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. Temporary traffic lights are in place as needed to manage vehicle flow, and some delays should be anticipated.
The existing heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge remains open to traffic during construction, other than short-term traffic management required for safety and essential maintenance. Existing width and load restrictions, and associated detours for heavy vehicles, will remain in place until the new bridge is completed.
The community is encouraged to keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for ongoing project and traffic updates.
Community Consultation: Duke & Durham Street Intersection
Concept Designs Now on Exhibition
Dungog Shire Council is now seeking community feedback on four concept design options for the future layout of the Duke and Durham Street intersection as part of the construction of the new Clarence Town Bridge.
The new bridge is a major infrastructure upgrade for Clarence Town, and the intersection design must improve safety, support local traffic movements, and ensure reliable access for pedestrians, heavy vehicles, and visitors to the township.
The four options: Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 and Option 4, are now on public exhibition. Community input will help Council select a preferred design before detailed engineering and construction planning proceed.
Why is Council consulting on intersection options?
With the new Clarence Town Bridge approaching key milestones, Council must finalise how Duke and Durham Streets will connect to the upgraded road approaches. This area accommodates residents, through-traffic, pedestrians, school movements, and visitors accessing the Williams River Holiday Park.
Each design option offers different benefits relating to safety, traffic flow, pedestrian access and long-term functionality. Hearing from Clarence Town residents and road users will help ensure Council selects the most suitable option for the community.
Option 1 - Traditional Intersection Layout
Advantages:
- Allows for full vehicular intersection movements in all directions
- Provides a crossing point for pedestrians across Duke Street with vision in both directions
- Allows for full width of intersection vehicular usage if required (ie no concrete medians in Duke Street).
Disadvantages:
- Provides for two intersections (one into Durham Street and one into the Williams River Holiday Park) within 40m of each other creating possible conflict
- Whilst vision is available in both directions, the crossing is further west around the corner of Duke Street requiring pedestrian to look almost behind themselves
- There is no pedestrian refuge in the middle of the intersection
- There is no provision for a widened median to reduce risk of vehicular conflict.
What this option means for the community:
Option 1 is the most familiar design for most drivers. It preserves the current level of access for residents and businesses whilst delivering modest safety improvements. This option works well for local traffic but does not significantly change the current conflict points between vehicles, pedestrians and park visitors.
Option 2 - Left-In/Left-Out Access Design
Advantages:
- Allows for full vehicular intersection movements in all directions
- Provides a 1.2m painted median to reduce risk of vehicular conflict
- Provides a crossing point for pedestrians across Duke Street with vision in both directions
- Provides a small painted widening in the centre of the road at the pedestrian movement point
- Allows for full width of intersection vehicular usage if required (ie no concrete medians in Duke Street).
Disadvantages:
- Provides for two intersections (one into Durham Street and one into the Williams River Holiday Park) within 40m of each other creating possible conflict
- Whilst vision is available in both directions, the crossing is further west around the corner of Duke Street requiring pedestrians to look almost behind themselves
- The small painted pedestrian refuge in the middle of the intersection that does have physical barrier protection.
What this option means for the community:
Option 2 provides slightly increased safety options with a widened median to separate opposing traffic which reduces the likelihood of collisions. It also provides minor improvements for pedestrian traffic movements.
Durham-Street-Option-2.pdf(PDF, 100KB)
Option 3 - Cul-de-Sac Configuration
Advantages:
- Removes one of two adjacent intersections
- Removes vehicular turning movement conflict to/from Durham Street
- Provides a 2.0m painted median to reduce risk of vehicular conflict
- Provides a crossing point for pedestrians across Duke Street with vision in both directions
- Provides for a full centre of road refuge area with no barrier protection
- Pedestrian access across Duke/Durham intersection has reduced risk of conflict due to removal of turning traffic into Durham Street
- Would provide for less vehicular traffic in Durham Street between Duke and Prince Street.
Disadvantages:
- Restricts immediate access for vehicles entering Durham Street (to the south)
- Creates slightly longer travel times / distances (up to 900m) for some residents
- Can create slightly longer travel times (up to 700m) for access to sporting fields, etc.
- Concrete barriers allow for standard road legal B-Double movements but may restrict access for larger over size over mass (OSOM) vehicles.
What this option means for the community:
Option 3 provides the highest level of pedestrian protection and simplifies the road layout. It may offer long-term benefits for families, holiday park visitors and school users. However, removing through-traffic represents the largest change to the existing road movements and may require adjustments to access routes for some residents.
Option 4 - Left-in and Left-out of Durham Street only
Advantages:
- Removes one of two adjacent intersections
- Reduces turning movement conflict
- Provides a 2.0m painted median to reduce risk of vehicular conflict
- Provides a crossing point in Duke Street with vision in both directions
- Provides for a full centre of road refuge area with hard barrier protection
- Access across Duke/Durham intersection has some reduced risk of conflict due to removal of right turning traffic to/from Durham Street
- Would provide for slightly less traffic in Durham Street between Duke and Prince Street.
Disadvantages:
- Restricts immediate access for vehicles entering Durham Street (to the south)
- Creates slightly longer travel times (up to 900m) for some residents
- Can create slightly longer travel times/distances (up to 700m) for access to sporting fields, etc.
- Improved pedestrian traffic but is not as safe as Option 3.
- Concrete barriers allow for standard road legal B-Double movements but may restrict access for larger over size over mass (OSOM) vehicles.
What this option means for the community:
Option 4 provides a balanced approach that improves safety and pedestrian access while still maintaining convenient connections for residents, visitors and holiday park users. It aims to reduce conflict points and create a more predictable road environment, supporting long-term traffic growth and clearer navigation through the intersection. However, Option D may introduce some changes to existing travel patterns, requiring drivers to adjust to modified turning movements or new signage.
HAVE YOUR SAY BEFORE 23 JANUARY 2026
Council invites the Clarence Town community, road users and local businesses to review the designs and provide feedback during the public exhibition period from 05 December 2025 to 5pm on 23 January 2026.
Your input will help Council select the preferred design that best supports safety, access and the future needs of Clarence Town.
Feedback can be submitted here or in writing to Council’s Customer Service Centre.
Project Information
Quick Look
The new Clarence Town Bridge will include:
- A 2.5-metre-wide walkway/cycleway on its northern side improving access to local services
- Critical links between eastern residential and rural subdivision areas and the Clarence Town centre
- Appropriate signposting and traffic-calming measures to support safe road crossings.
- Dual-lane structure approximately 132 metres in length and 14.4 metres wide.
- Upgraded road approaches and approach footpaths.
About the project
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 $20.581 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:
- $5.5 million – NSW Government Fixing Country Roads Program
- $9.581 million – Australian Government
- $5.5 million – Transport for NSW
Total project funding: $20.581 million
Latest update
Please refer to the weekly works program.
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