Residents in the Camden Haven and broader Port Macquarie-Hastings area are invited to attend a community celebration marking the opening of the new Stingray Creek Bridge.
The celebration will be held on Saturday December 10 between 10am and 12pm, where together people can enjoy the first walk across the new bridge in commemoration of this milestone project.
For the celebration the northbound lane will open, marking the impending completion of the bridge. After 12pm this lane will open to traffic, with southbound traffic continuing to use the existing bridge.
The day will feature local community groups coming together to help us celebrate, whilst enjoying looking back at the bridges history from its early days as a one lane ‘humpty back’ bridge.
Light entertainment will be provided, with local food stalls and fun activities sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is encouraging the entire community to come along and enjoy a great morning out and about in the beautiful Camden Haven.
Parking is available on the Laurieton side of the bridge at the Vince Inmon sports fields area in Castle St.
In late January both lanes are expected to be open, and the old bridge will no longer be accessible. The old bridge will then be demolished, which is expected to take approximately six months.
An official opening with Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillor’s, the council’s project team, construction partners and state government dignitaries is expected to take place in 2017.
Further information is available at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/stingraycreekbridge or by calling Council on 6581 8111.
CURRENT 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
Cost: $27 million jointly funded by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the NSW State Government
