The new Batemans Bay Bridge is powering ahead with the help of a local and diverse workforce

The new Batemans Bay Bridge is powering ahead with the substructure of the $274 million bridge now complete. In all more than 500,000 worker hours invested in the project so far. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this week "When complete, the new Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project will deliver safer and more reliable journeys while also improving highway intersections and connections in and around Batemans Bay,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program has seen groups typically under-represented in the construction sector take part in building the new Batemans Bay Bridge.”

Nearly half of all workers on the project are local, seven per cent are female, 10 per cent are Aboriginal and 14 per cent are under 25.

The project has also helped the Batemans Bay community to build and improve skills and experience within the local workforce.

Local member for Bega, Andrew Constance, said "now that the substructure was complete, the focus would continue on segment production and installation to form the main bridge deck.

“More than 20 concrete bridge segments weighing between 80 and 105 tonnes each have already been erected so you can start to see the new bridge taking shape,” Mr Constance said.

Upcoming completions over the next three months on the project include a side track to allow for the realignment of Clyde Street west, and retaining walls and embankments for both approaches. Early preparation work for a new floating pontoon on the southern foreshore of the Clyde River is continuing and earthworks for a new roundabout and continuing realignment of Wharf Road is starting.

Photo courtesy of South Coast Pix