A second barge arrived in Grafton last Friday to help deliver the $240 million NSW Liberals and Nationals NSW Government’s commitment for a second crossing over the mighty Clarence River, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced. “The 41-metre vessel named ‘Rhumb’ is a welcome addition after spending time in Harwood being fitted with project specific equipment,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Rhumb will complement the ‘Maeve Anne’ barge which has been on-site working on the new Grafton bridge since May this year.” “Maeve Anne will continue to install pile casings and excavate inside the piles, while Rhumb will complete the reinforcement cage installation and concrete work.” “Rhumb is fitted with a massive 130 tonne crane to help with the heavy lifting.” “Pier skirts are expected to be lifted into place in the coming months which will enable the piers to start being built on top of the piles which are already in the river. “This follows soft soil work on the new south side road approach, the continuation of utility relocations and building of the pre-cast facility in South Grafton.” The new Grafton bridge is on track to be open to traffic in 2019.