Historic Bawden Bridge, Clarence Valley, pegged for $12.1m upgrade

A historic Clarence Valley bridge – one of six of the oldest lattice truss designs in NSW – is set for a multi-million-dollar upgrade. See what’s planned.

Historic Bawden Bridge near Grafton that provides an important link over the Orara River has been pegged for a $12.1m facelift.

A historic Clarence Valley bridge – one of six of the oldest lattice truss designs in NSW – A is set to undergo essential maintenance and repair work to the tune of $12.1 million.

The works on the heritage Bawden Bridge, built in 1873, could take up to two years until completion.

Bawden Bridge with the Orara Hotel in the background, 1892 National Library of Australia, Hurley Negative Collection.

Essential works planned for the bridge, on Old Glen Innes Road, 19km west of Grafton, include the temporary establishment of a site compound, the installation of scaffolding and replacement of the timber deck.

“Work will also include repairing and strengthening the truss spans, including installation of new steel cross girders and traffic guidance, removing lead paint and repainting the truss spans including the three supporting piers,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

Work on the project is expected to start in mid-2025.

Bawden Bridge.

The bridge is expected to be closed for a three-week period during school holidays in January 2026 to allow the new bridge deck to be installed through the truss spans.

A 75km detour will add 56km to the route to South Grafton from the southern side of the Bawden Bridge via Glens Creek Rd to Nymboida; and then along Armidale Rd to South Grafton.

Erection of scaffolding prior to encapsulation, Glenreagh Bridge.

During the closure period Transport NSW would provide parking on both sides of the bridge for residents who have access to more than one vehicle, or who plan to car pool/arrange a pick up from the northern side of the bridge.

Residents would be able to cross the bridge via a pedestrian walkway that would be attached to the upstream side of the bridge.

Community feedback on the proposal is now open until Sunday October 27.

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