It has carried millions of tonnes of freight and vehicles, provided a vital link for communities on the Clarence River and an essential service for the sugar industry, and now the old Harwood Bridge is in for a bit of TLC.

From Tuesday 28 January, workers will replace thousands of bolts, repair gusset plates that connect different elements of the bridge and carry out repainting of tired sections to make the bridge fit for service for generations to come.

The original Harwood Bridge opened to traffic on 20 August 1966 by the then Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler, and replaced vehicular ferries that once took all Pacific Highway traffic from one side of the Clarence River to the other.

They were the last vehicular ferries on the Pacific Highway.

(The Harwood Bridge under construction in 1966, with the ferries operating in the background)

That highway traffic has now moved onto the towering dual-lane structure beside it, but the old bridge still provides valuable service to Harwood residents and the Clarence sugar industry.

Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said that to keep the 58-year-old structure in top condition, some essential maintenance needed to be carried out.

“We’re aware how important this bridge is during the cane harvest season, so we’re aiming to have work complete by the time that gets under way later this year,” Ms Zycki said.

“The work will take about five months, weather permitting, and we’ll get this work completed as quickly as possible to minimise disruptions to the industry, road and maritime users.

“For the safety of workers and motorists, traffic will be reduced to one lane for the duration of the work.

“There will also be some disruptions while we work on the lift span and vessel owners need to ensure they can pass under the bridge safely with the span in its closed position.

“If they are in doubt they should plan around the lift span closure.

“Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while this work is carried out.”