Works to replace Bluff Bridge on the Orara Way between Grafton and Glenreagh are one step closer following the awarding of a tender at a recent meeting of Clarence Valley Council for the design and construction of the new bridge.
Welcoming the news, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said Council was awarded $11.29 million from the former NSW Coalition Government under the Fixing Country Bridges program, with the Federal Government chipping in $5 million through the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.
“The new bridge will provide a much safer bridge and bring a higher level of flood and fire protection to the travelling public on the Orara Way,” Mr Williamson said.
“We are helping councils build bridges that are wider, higher and more resilient to withstand natural disasters.
“The Bluff Bridge replacement project will involve building a new concrete bridge next to the existing one and raising the deck height by approximately eight metres, which will increase flood resilience.
“Bridges keep our communities connected and after the extreme weather we have experienced in recent times, it has become evident we need to upgrade out infrastructure to be more resilient against mother nature.
“It’s great news for the community and I congratulate Clarence Valley Council on getting the project to this point and look forward to its completion.”
The project also includes demolishing the old structure and rehabilitating the site, plus realigning and constructing approaches to enhance the corner radius. The new bridge will comply with current standards, including SM1600 loading, and it is anticipated that future vehicle use on Orara Way will not be limited. It will offer wider lanes, improved shoulders, and better visibility for drivers.
Clarence Valley Council secured a combined $46 million under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Fixing Country Bridges Program under the former NSW Coalition Government. This funding will allow Council to replace 36 timber bridges with safer, and more resilient concrete structures.
Comments