Member for Bega Andrew Constance has advised that work has commenced to relocate utilities as part of early work on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project.
Mr Constance said the NSW Government has committed $30 million in the 2018/2019 budget to start construction on the project, which aims to improve freight access and reduce traffic delays on the Princes Highway at Batemans Bay.
“Underground utilities will be relocated near the Clyde River foreshore between October and December 2018, weather permitting, to make way for the new Batemans Bay Bridge,” Mr Constance said.
“These utilities include overhead electricity lines, and underground communication cables, water and sewer mains.
“The work will include temporarily fencing off areas on the northern and southern sides of the river to safely drill holes into the ground to install the new utilities.
“It will be necessary for some rock breaking to occur and trucks will be required to transport materials to and from the site.
“Once work is completed, the area will be restored immediately to ensure it is safe to walk or drive on during the peak summer holiday period,” Mr Constance said.
“Roads and Maritime Services have worked to minimise impacts on popular community spaces.
“On the southern foreshore, the children’s playground on the south-western side of the bridge will remain open and on the northern foreshore the boat ramp near On the Pier restaurant will remain open.”
“There will be temporary changes to parking and some noise associated during these works caused by machines removing the earth from the ground but every effort will be made to minimise noise levels,” said Mr Constance.
There will be some temporary lane closures while work is carried out on Old Punt Road and Wharf Road, with traffic control and a reduced speed limit in place at times for the safety of workers and motorists on these roads.
For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/batemansbaybridge or call 1800 870 119 or join the project on Facebook.com/PrincesHighwayUpgrade.
Above: Can you believe this photo of hardworking gents on the Princes Highway near Bulli was taken more than 90 years ago?!