New Watsons Creek Bridge Completed
Work on a replacement bridge over Watson's Creek on the Wellington Vale Road has been completed, and the bridge is open to traffic.
Acting Director of Engineering Services, Malcolm Donnelly, said Waeger Bridges of Rutherford were contracted to demolish the old structure and construct a replacement bridge. Waeger engaged Inverell-based consultants Local Government Engineering Services to produce the bridge design drawings. "The bridge is a skewed two-span structure supported on bored piles," he explained. "The abutment walls from the previous bridge were retained in a non-structural role for abutment protection."
Mr Donnelly said Council was very pleased with the new bridge. "The old Watson's Bridge Creek was built in 1883," he said. "Although new concrete deck planks were installed in 1966, the foundations had reached the end of their serviceable life. The bridge was closed to traffic in July 2005, after it was found that the central stone pier had severe structural damage that could lead to collapse."
The construction of the new bridge was delayed by a number of factors. "We could not call for tenders until the 2006/07 financial year, because we did not have funds allocated for the bridge in the 2005/06 Management Plan," Mr Donnelly explained. "Then we did not receive any appropriate tenders in the first round, and had to call for fresh tenders last year. The design and construct tender from Waeger Constructions of Rutherford offered the best value for Council."
The bridge cost approximately $560,000 to replace. $165,000 was funded from the regional road REPAIR program administered by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.
Waeger Bridges started preliminary work on the Watson's Creek Bridge last September. "The bridge was opened to traffic on 30 April, and the side track was removed on 8 May," said Mr Donnelly. "Council sealed the approaches to the bridge recently, so the whole process is complete. The new bridge is wider than the old bridge, and is designed for heavier traffic."
Contact details
Catherine McBride
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
