As part of the $240 million New South Wales Government-funded new Grafton bridge project, work will start on a temporary jetty and precast concrete facility at South Grafton.
Nationals Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the new bridge will improve traffic efficiency between and within Grafton and South Grafton, supporting future regional and local economic development.
“The temporary jetty will be built on the Clarence River foreshore between the existing Grafton Bridge and Iolanthe Street in South Grafton,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Work to build the jetty, located about 70m to the east of the existing Grafton Bridge, on the south bank of the Clarence River is expected to start in the week of 17 April 2017, weather permitting.
“The jetty will initially extend 12m into the river and up to 50m at its maximum length. It will be nine metres wide and capable of supporting a large crane and up to four bridge segments.
“The temporary jetty will enable the loading of bridge components and the transfer of workers between the southern shoreline and work areas in the Clarence River.
“The jetty will be made of tubular steel supports, with a steel beam and reinforced concrete deck. It will be used as the platform to lift precast concrete bridge segments onto a river barge.
“Navigation restrictions will be in place while the jetty is being built and during its operation. The restrictions will be lifted for the Bridge to Bridge race in October.
“The suspension of restrictions during the race is part of the project team’s commitment to reducing the impact of the work on the community.”
Mr Gulaptis said the jetty is expected to be in place until mid-2018, weather permitting.
“Work has also started to build a precast concrete facility in Through Street, South Grafton,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“The facility, to be located in an existing industrial area in South Grafton, will make concrete segments which will be used to build the new bridge.
“The facility will be required for about 18 months before being decommissioned when casting work is completed.
“The site has been chosen because of its location in an existing industrial area and proximity to the river, allowing transportation of concrete beam segments to the work site without the need to travel on public roads.
“This will reduce the number of heavy vehicle trips to and from the bridge work site, improving safety for road users.
“The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2019,” Mr Gulaptis said.
