The Bluff Bridge upgrade in the Clarence Valley represents more than a new structure across the Orara River, it strengthens a critical regional connection relied upon by local communities, freight operators and emergency services.
Thanks to Borger Cranes, we’re pleased to share behind-the-scenes footage of the complex girder lifts that brought the new bridge structure into place.
A Vital Regional Link
Bluff Bridge has historically been impacted by flooding of the Orara River, causing road closures and isolation for surrounding communities including Glenreagh, and disrupting travel between Grafton and Coffs Harbour.
Improving resilience and reliability at this location was essential.
While the lift operations captured in the video are dramatic, the long-term performance of the bridge depends on the engineering behind it.
CJC’s Role: Permanent Structural Design
CJC Management delivered the permanent structural design for the new Bluff Bridge, working as part of the broader project team led by ADG Engineers for Clarence Valley Council.
Our structural team was responsible for designing the bridge elements that will carry long-term traffic loads, environmental actions and durability demands for decades to come.
Each girder installed on site forms part of a permanent structure engineered for strength, stability and resilience in a flood-prone environment.
The successful installation captured in Borger Cranes’ footage reflects the coordination between design and construction teams to ensure the structure performs exactly as intended.
Built for Long-Term Performance
Regional infrastructure carries significant responsibility. In areas with limited alternative routes, reliability is critical.
Bluff Bridge demonstrates the importance of robust structural design in supporting community access, freight movement and regional connectivity, particularly in environments subject to flood events.
Visible to the Community
Bluff Bridge is also part of the Clarence Valley flood monitoring network. Residents can view live images of the bridge via the Bluff Bridge Monitoring Station – Orara Way, allowing the community to monitor conditions in real time.
For a region that has experienced repeated flood impacts, this level of visibility supports informed decision-making and strengthens community resilience.
A Collaborative Effort
We thank Borger Cranes for allowing us to share their excellent footage and acknowledge the broader project team led by ADG Engineers for Clarence Valley Council.
Projects of this scale and complexity succeed through collaboration across multiple disciplines, from structural design to construction delivery and specialist lifting operations.
If you would like to learn more about CJC’s bridge and infrastructure capabilities, please contact our team.
You can keep an eye on the construction progress and the river levels via the monitoring station here.
