WEDNESDAY November 4 marked the official start of construction for the long-awaited Stingray Creek Bridge replacement.
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Golden shovels turned the first sod under gloomy skies.
The Laurieton and North Haven sides of the existing bridge have been a hive of activity for a few months as underground services were redirected, workers’ shed and temporary office constructed and mangroves cleared for the construction of the new bridge immediately upstream.
The community will see work progress quickly on the new bridge itself. A temporary bridge will be built from which the workers will build the new, 190m two-lane bridge.
The new bridge will also include a wide pedestrian shared pathway.
“I’ve been on the bridge on my bike and had to back track because a pram was coming the other way,” recalled Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams on Wednesday.
“The narrow walkway limits cyclists and pedestrians being able to safely connect between Laurieton and North Haven communities. The current bridge is not wide enough to cater for the current and future traffic demands.”
Bob Bucton from the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce was beaming as the construction milestone was celebrated.
"For tourism this new bridge will be a big plus," Mr Bucton told the Camden Haven Courier.
"In the past the tourist buses going from Sydney to Brisbane would stop along Ocean Drive to pick up passengers. Because of the load limit they now only pick up at Kew. We need to have Ocean Drive as a tourist drive and promote it because the more opportunities people get to see this area, the more likely they are to stay."
The new, $27 million bridge, is funded jointly by the State Government ($16.4 million grant) and Port Macquarie Hastings Council ($10.6 million).
The project involves the council working with the local community, Roads and Maritime Services and Smithbridge.
Road users and pedestrians need to exercise extreme caution and obey any traffic movement changes during construction. Changed boating conditions are also in place from 7am and 6pm Mondays to Saturdays with a reduced speed limit of four knots.
The new bridge should be open to traffic late 2016.
The existing bridge will be demolished.
Why are residents concerned about the new bridge being opened to heavy vehicles? Find out, click here
BRIDGE HISTORY
- 1999 - Council became aware of cracks and damage. 18 tonne load limit placed.
- 2002 - Consultants GHD engaged to consider options to replace or repair bridge. State Govt to fund half of estimated $6.4mill cost to replace bridge.
- 2003 - Council resolves to replace bridge.
- 2004 - Engagement for EIS, DA and other studies with consultants and State Govt.
- 2005 - 2008 - Community forums and engagements. Consultants Maunsell AECOM reassessed and reinvestigated route options. Preferred option on display then adopted by Council December 2007. Estimate cost for replacement $10mill.
- 2009 - EIS on public display.
- 2010 - Cost estimated at $12mill and State Govt pledges to fund 50%.
- 2011 – Opus International appointed to design bridge, est cost $14mill. Plans expected to be finalised for construction to start 2012.
- 2012 - State Govt pledges loan to council for bridge cost shortfall.
- 2013 – Council investigates repairing bridge. State enforces replacement. Call for Contractors to build 190m new bridge. Estimated cost of new bridge $20mill.
- 2014 – Project steering group established with council staff, councillors, RMS members. Design plans still not completed. Native title claim investigated and further geotechnical tests conducted. Minster Duncan Gay threatens to withdraw State funding grant for the bridge if PMHC don’t begin construction. Council await state departments to process Native Title claim. Tender workshops being in September.
- 2015 – Early preparation works begin to relocate water and sewer ahead of bridge replacement. Tender awarded to Smithbridge in April. Preliminary works by Smithbridge being in July.
BRIDGE FACTS
- Length: 190m curved linear bridge
- Height: 6.4m
- Two pedestrian paths: a 1.7m wide footpath and a 2.9m wide shared path
