Motorists will be enjoying smoother travel on Yamba Road at Yamba with work starting next week to improve the Oyster Channel Bridge.

Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said this bridge is an essential link on the route between Maclean and Yamba, with between 10,000 to 17,000 vehicles crossing it every day.

“Yamba Road is the only way in or out of Yamba, so it’s important this bridge is maintained for access by locals, business and tourists,” Ms Zycki said.

“Work has been scheduled outside both the NSW and Queensland school holidays and also after the Grafton July Race Carnival to avoid the town’s busiest times.”

Ms Zycki said the essential maintenance work being carried out involves replacing the expansion joints on the bridge to ensure it continues to provide safe and reliable service to the community.

“Periodic maintenance is essential to protect bridge elements, as well as ensuring a smooth road surface for motorists,” Ms Zycki said.

“These expansion joints allow movements to occur between the bridge itself and the approach pavement, as well as between individual bridge spans.

“Replacing these joints will improve journeys across the bridge and reduce the need for future maintenance.”

Work will start on Monday 2 August and is expected to take one week to complete, weather permitting.

Crews will be working on weekdays from 8.30am to 3pm, with lane closures and a reduced 40 km/h speed limit during work hours.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.