newy.com.au – Clarence Town’s historic Williams River bridge, Morpeth Bridge, Monkerai Bridge Karuah and Paterson River Bridge in Hinton is included in a review of how NSW manages its timber truss crossings, following community concerns that some bridges no longer meet regional transport needs.
Built in 1880, the Clarence Town bridge is the state’s oldest surviving timber truss bridge, according to the NSW government. A new crossing was built earlier this year by the NSW and federal governments in partnership with Dungog Shire Council, allowing the heritage structure to be repaired and maintained.
Public consultation on Transport for NSW’s Timber Truss Bridge Strategy runs from 28 September to 30 October 2026. Residents, councils, heritage groups, industry and road users are being asked how the strategy should respond to changing transport needs while preserving historic bridges.
The government says communities have reported that some crossings are not meeting local needs, while heavier freight vehicles and increased traffic are adding to maintenance demands. The review will consider those pressures across the state; the new Clarence Town crossing has allowed the older bridge to be retained.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said some communities had told the government “the current Timber Truss Strategy is no longer meeting their economic and productive needs”.
She said the review would consider how the historic bridges served their local road networks, alongside their significance to the towns where they stand.
Transport for NSW manages and maintains 27 historic timber truss bridges dating from 1880 to 1930. The strategy guides how those structures are preserved and managed while continuing to meet the needs of the road network. It was first developed in 2010 and revised in 2012 and 2019.
An updated strategy is expected to be released in late 2027.
Community members can comment through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website, by calling 1800 167 499 or emailing RegionalProjects@transport.nsw.gov.au.
