Dungog Shire Council has received half of the funding needed to replace the Brig O’Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town with a new concrete one that will allow heavier freight vehicles to use it.
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Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey and Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen announced the $5.5 million funding on Monday as part of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program.
Dungog Shire Council’s General Manager, Craig Deasey, said the current heritage-listed bridge would “remain as is” and the council would seek matching funding from the Federal Government to build a new $11 million concrete bridge.
Roads and Maritime Services is assisting the council with its submission for funding under the Commonwealth Bridges Renewal Program.
The Brig O’Johnston Bridge over the Williams River at Clarence Town was built in 1880 and is the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.
The bridge is one of 26 bridges identified for conservation by RMS.
Last year, work on essential maintenance of the the bridge ahead of the future rehabilitation work was interrupted when a bat colony was discovered near the bridge. The work was expected to start again this month hen the breeding season was over.
The Minister and Mr Johnsen also announced $8.3 million funding to Mid-Coast and Port Stephens Councils to identify and complete key upgrades along Bucketts Way.
This work is set to be complete by 2019.
