Changed traffic conditions will be in place from Wednesday on the heritage listed Brig O’Johnston bridge to allow essential repair work to timber decking on the northern approach to the bridge.
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A Roads and Maritime spokesperson said work will be carried out from Wednesday to Friday, February 5. between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 4pm on Saturday, January 30 weather permitting.
A reduced 40 km/h speed limit and intermittent closures under traffic control will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and motorists.
Electronic message signs on the side of the road will display any changes to work dates and times.
There are fears for the future of the historic Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town after it was closed to traffic for five hours on Thursday.
The bridge over the Williams River was built in 1880 and is the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in the state.
It is the major access road for residents in Clarence Town and Dungog at times of flooding and is used frequently by trucks and school buses.
The Clarence Town and District Progress Association has been calling for immediate works to start on the bridge for several years.
President Brian Farmer said the recent closure was further proof that something needed to be done.
“The bridge is of great importance to the valley,” Mr Farmer said.
“We use it when the flood waters are up, it is the only way out.
“The ambulance and fire brigade can't get across if the bridge is closed and what about when school starts?
“The bottom line is 25 per cent of the town's business comes from that side of the river.”
Roads and Maritime Services were alerted to damage to the bridge on Thursday night.
According to Mr Farmer the bridge surface had a sizeable hole in it caused by the wheel of a large vehicle.
“It started as a small hole on the eastern approach,” he said.
“But it got bigger and if a car had gone in, it would have been cactus.”
The police were contacted and traffic was diverted as the bridge was closed for repairs.
Mr Farmer said the RMS arrived to fix the surface, but the truck they brought also proved too heavy for the bridge and created another hole.
The RMS would not confirm the incident but did release a statement about the works.
“The bridge across the Williams River at Clarence Town was temporarily closed for around five hours until midnight for essential maintenance work,” the statement read.
“Work was carried out to repair a damaged section of timber on the bridge deck and will continue through to the afternoon under traffic control.
“Routine inspections are regularly carried out on all bridges across NSW to ensure the crossings remain safe for all road users.
“Motorists are thanked for their patience while the essential work is completed and will be notified of any further work required.”
The RMS continues to investigate the rehabilitation of the historic bridge including the potential for it to become a pedestrian route with the construction of a new traffic bridge.
There is no timeframe for the work.
