Project Name: Construction of Laura Creek Bridge
Contract Value: $7.44 million (combined value of Baker's, Boorolong, and Laura Creek Bridge Renewal Program)
Funded by: Transport for NSW Fixing Country Bridges program and Australian Government Bridges Renewal Program
Project Managed by: Armidale Regional Council (ARC)
Background:
Armidale Regional Council has secured funding for construction of Bakers, Boorolong and Laura Creek bridges through Transport for NSW Fixing Country Bridges program and Australian Government Bridges Renewal Program.
Existing timber bridges have deteriorated and our latest bridge assessments call for significant restrictions of load and speed limits, affecting the use by large commercial transport on these bridges. Therefore, it has become a priority to replace these bridges to ensure road safety and maintain the quality of road network in the region.
ARC has undertaken tender process and this tender was awarded to Bedrule Pty Ltd trading as TOBCO in the council meeting held on 26 April 2023 for $6,761,516.22 excl.GST for construction of all three bridges. Having fulfilled contractual obligations, the site possession granted commencement of the project on 24 July 2023. All the three bridges will be completed and open to traffic by 14 June 2024.
Laura Creek Bridge:
The existing timber bridge will be replaced by a single lane 54.3m long prestressed concrete girder bridge constructed on a new alignment north of the existing bridge. This will be a three span bridge. This will enable the existing road and bridge to remain open to traffic during the replacement works. The new bridge elevation will be raised by 1.5m above the existing level and lengthened to improve the flood immunity. The existing bridge and causeway will be demolished after new bridge is open for traffic. The scope of work include site establishment, clearing and grubbing, construction of temporary piling pads, piling, construction of abutments, piers and headstocks, installation of pre-stressed concrete girders, concrete deck construction, reconstruction of the approach road, installation of signage and line marking, demolition and disposal of the existing bridge structure the causeway, site remediation and dis establishment. The estimated construction commencement date is 05 Oct 2023 with completion forecast for 16 March 2024.