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Grafton Bridge early works completed

Open for traffic - Chris Gulaptis and Clarence Valley Council, Richie Williamson, removing the barrier to mark the completion of the Grafton Bridge early works.
Open for traffic – Chris Gulaptis and Clarence Valley Council, Richie Williamson, removing the barrier to mark the completion of the Grafton Bridge early works.
  Motorists can now benefit from a significant upgrade of Charles Street at South Grafton with the major thoroughfare duplicated to four lanes between the Pacific Highway and Bent Street. Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis said the 200 metre section of road was upgraded as part of early works for the second crossing of the Clarence River. “The NSW Government is committed to delivering a second crossing of the Clarence River at Grafton to remove a significant pinch point for heavy vehicles, reduce current congestion and meet the needs of future population growth in the region,” he said. “Planning approval was given for the second crossing to be built about 70 metres downstream of the existing Grafton Bridge in December last year and in January Roads and Maritime Services started early work. “A major feature of this early work has included improving the capacity of local roads to ensure the traffic flow benefits of a new bridge are realised. “From today motorists will immediately experience the benefits of the improved Gwydir Highway intersection with the Pacific Highway. “Pedestrian safety has also been improved with the provision of a new median and pedestrian refuge for safe crossing.” Mr Gulaptis said the second Grafton bridge project also includes improvements to Pound and Clarence streets. “Clarence Street will be widened to accommodate turning vehicles and better street parking and Pound Street will be duplicated to four lanes to improve access to the new bridge,” he said. “Pedestrian and cycle links will be provided to the Dovedale area and between Villiers and Clarence streets, as well as to South Grafton bus interchange.” Mr Gulaptis said Roads and Maritime is working with three shortlisted companies to determine the successful tenderer to design and build the new bridge.