Aerial view of the new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood open to traffic

Bridge over Clarence River at Harwood

Under construction

The new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood is the highest and longest crossing in the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade.

The new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood is about 20 metres east of the existing bridge, 1.5 kilometres long and four lanes wide. The new bridge will provide safer, smoother travel for motorists and eliminate the need for highway motorists to stop while the existing Harwood Bridge is raised for maritime users.

The profile of the new bridge accommodates a mid-river shipping lane height of 30 metres.

The existing Harwood Bridge will remain and provide access to the upgraded highway and Harwood. 

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    Gallery

    Existing bridge over the Clarence RIver at Harwood open to marine vessels as Pacific Highway traffic flows on the new bridge
    Traffic at night crossing the new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood
    Looking at the side of bridge across river with town of Harwood in background
    Aerial view of bridge over river with old bridge and town of Harwood in background
    Aerial view of bridge over river at sunset
    Looking south at the new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood
    Worker getting reinforced steel ready for a girder pour
    Construction of the new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood at sunset

    Progress

    The new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood opened to traffic in December 2019. Work is continuing on the sections of the upgrade connecting to this bridge.

    Updates & announcements

    Aerial view of dual carriageway highway

    New motorway between Glenugie and Tyndale open to traffic

    The 36 kilometre section of new motorway between Glenugie and Tyndale has now opened to traffic. Read the community update for more information.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Glenugie to Tyndale COMMUNITY UPDATE April 2020
    PDF 2.08 MB

    Iluka interchange opens to traffic

    The Iluka interchange will open to traffic as part of a number of traffic changes in May and June on the Pacific Highway and local roads in Mororo, Woombah and Chatsworth Island. At this time, the old Mororo Bridge will reopen to local traffic and access to the Pacific Highway will change at Iluka Road, Banana Road, Lewis Lane and Carrolls Lane. Read the notification.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Mororo NOTICE Iluka interchange opens to traffic
    PDF 571.61 KB

    Construction hours extended during Coronavirus outbreak

    The safety of all workers on Transport for NSW work sites across the state is of the highest priority during the evolving Coronavirus situation. Work on vital Government transport infrastructure projects, including the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade, will continue at this stage.
    To support industry and continue the delivery of critical infrastructure, the NSW Government has introduced new rules allowing construction sites, including public infrastructure projects, to operate on Sunday and public holidays.
    Under the new rules, the new construction hours for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade are Monday to Sunday between 7am and 6pm, including public holidays. These changes have been made to facilitate social distancing and support the health and wellbeing of workers. All community members and stakeholders are thanked for their patience as work continues on important transport infrastructure across NSW.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade NOTICE changes to construction hours
    PDF 277.16 KB
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade FAQ changes to construction hours
    PDF 332.05 KB

    Traffic changes on the Pacific Highway, Farlows Flat

    As part of building the upgrade, there will be traffic changes on the Pacific Highway at Farlows Flat from mid-March, weather permitting. This work will be carried out in two stages. Read the notification.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Farlows Flat NOTICE traffic changes on the Pacific Highway
    PDF 590.25 KB

    New bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood opens to traffic

    To celebrate the completion of the new bridge, a commemorative community update including images and details about how the bridge was designed and built is now available. Access to the Pacific Highway in this area has changed at number of locations, for more information see the November 2019 community update for Maclean to Devils Pulpit.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Bridge over Clarence River COMMEMORATIVE COMMUNITY UPDATE December 2019
    PDF 35.68 MB
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Maclean to Devils Pulpit COMMUNITY UPDATE November 2019
    PDF 3.87 MB

    Work outside approved construction hours between Maclean and Devils Pulpit

    As part of building the road between Maclean and Devils Pulpit, we will be working outside approved construction hours. This work is planned at various times between January and June 2020. Read the notification.
    Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Maclean to Devils Pulpit NOTICE work outside approved construction hours
    PDF 338.01 KB

    FAQs

    What will happen to the existing Harwood Bridge when the new bridge is finished?

    The old bridge will be retained and will provide access to Harwood and the northbound on ramp at Watts Lane.

    Will there be pedestrian and cycle crossing on the new bridge?

    No, but pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the existing Harwood bridge.

    Will you still need to open the old bridge for yachts when the new bridge is finished?

    Yes, the old bridge will still be opened for yachts, however, the impact on traffic will be significantly reduced as the existing Harwood bridge will only be used by local traffic. Highway traffic will not be affected by the opening.

    Project contact

    For more information about the project contact:
    1800 778 900
    w2b@pacificcomplete.com

    Documents

    Project reports and other documents about the bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood can be found in the document library
    Document library