The new US$38 million bridge across the Clarence River is being funded by the New South Wales (NSW) government as part of the ‘Bridges for the Bush’ programme, which aims to improve road safety and traffic efficiency.
NSW Roads & Maritime Services has appointed Delaney Civil to deliver the project, which will take about two years to complete, weather permitting.
The new crossing will replace the Bruxner Highway Bridge over the Clarence River at Tabulam. The existing heritage-listed structure and has an overall length of about 300m, comprising 13 timber approach spans and five composite timber and steel de Burgh truss central spans. The main spans are supported by concrete piers located in the river, whilst the approaches are supported by timber trestles. Extensive maintenance work has been conducted over recent years to ensure the bridge remains safe but it presents significant transport limitations and also requires a disproportionate share of maintenance funding.
To commemorate the timber bridge, replica trusses of the old bridge will be included on the new bridge.
