The next stage of the Nelligen Bridge replacement project is fast approaching, with marine piling for the new bridge foundation to start in the coming days.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the arrival on site of the first of two 55-metre-long large barges to be used in the marine piling process was an exciting milestone for the project.
“This barge, weighing about 2100 tonnes when loaded, arrived on site two weeks ago after travelling two days from Sydney Harbour behind a tugboat,” Mr Constance said.
“It is currently being fitted out with a 250-tonne crane and piling rig to allow the start of marine piling, while the second barge is expected to arrive at site in the coming weeks.
“Land based piling for the new bridge foundation started last week and all piling work is expected to be complete by early next year.”
Mr Constance said work was progressing well on the project since the site was established in mid-March.
“This project will employ about 90 people including local suppliers and contractors at its peak, which will provide a vital boost to the local economy,” Mr Constance said.
“Temporary rock platform and jetty construction to provide construction access to the river from the east was completed in mid-June, together with the installation of ground improvement piles on the eastern approach to the new bridge.
“These 20-metre-deep piles – also known as concrete injected columns – disperse soft soils sideways and fill the void with concrete, better supporting road embankments.
“Various environmental controls have been installed to protect water quality across the entire project, including silt curtains within the Clyde River, and channel navigation markers are also in place to guide marine traffic movements.
“Excavation work has started for the western abutment and is expected to be completed by the end of July, while clearing of the area where the road is to be widened east of the bridge has been completed in preparation for the traffic switch”.
The new Nelligen Bridge will be a two-lane Super-T girder bridge over the Clyde River, with 1.4-kilometre section of the Kings Highway also being upgraded.
The new bridge will increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists by providing an improved curve on the eastern side of the bridge, along with wider lanes and shoulders as well as safety barriers between the road and footpath.
The project will provide better and more reliable trips for the 5000 vehicles travelling on the Kings Highway daily and is expected to be complete by late 2023, weather permitting.
For more information on the project, go to nswroads.work/NelligenBridge.
