en.Wedoany.com Reported - Phase one of the new road bridge in Clarence Town, New South Wales, Australia, is now open to traffic. The opening of this road bridge will allow 42.5-tonne semi-trailers to cross, improving heavy vehicle access conditions for the town in the Hunter region.

The new road bridge in Clarence Town is 130 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, featuring two lanes designed to carry heavy vehicles, along with a new pedestrian footpath, upgraded road approaches, and walkways. The bridge will operate under single-lane traffic conditions while construction and upgrade works continue.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said: "This road bridge in Clarence Town will be a real game-changer for daily life. It will improve access, cut travel times, and enhance safety for people who live, work, and travel in Dungog. Heavy vehicles will no longer need to take a 52-kilometre detour to avoid the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the region."

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, added: "The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in this road bridge. This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, eliminating a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience that cost both time and money." The road bridge project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Meanwhile, the heritage-listed timber truss bridge, Brig O'Johnston Bridge, has been temporarily closed to traffic as major restoration works commence. This project will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle load requirements and maintain its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in New South Wales. The Federal and New South Wales Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in this project, with the Australian Government contributing $11.8 million and the New South Wales Government contributing $11 million. Restoration works are expected to be completed by mid-2029.

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