Central Connector

Grafton Bridge

The much anticipated work to strengthen and future-proof Grafton Bridge is nearing completion. The bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic, but open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Work on the heritage icon is necessary to bring it up to modern environmental and transport standards. Recent structural investigations found earthquake resistance was not considered in the bridge's original design and that heavy transport, including buses, cannot currently use the bridge.

Upon completion, the bridge will be able to withstand a one in one-thousand year earthquake and accommodate up to 1200 buses every weekday. Accommodating more buses on the bridge is integral to maximising the benefits of the Central Connector busway and making inner city bus travel faster and more reliable. The bridge will be able to act as an important transport link between Grafton and the CBD, while retaining its heritage glory.

The work has involved strengthening the bridge columns with steel bar reinforcements, strengthening the bridge beams with carbon fibre and installing new reinforcements to resist horizontal earthquake movement.

Restoration work is also being carried out, including repairing cracks in the concrete, removing algal growth and replacing joints and bridge bearings.

Updated July 2009