In a media release issued today by the RMS they advise that the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project is in its final stages of early work with utility relocation and construction of the site compound and community information centre on track to be completed in early 2019.
A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said the NSW Government provided $274 million for the project which will improve freight access, reduce traffic delays in peak periods, and reduce economic and social impacts by removing the current lift span bridge.
“Early work including the relocation of utilities at Clyde Street, Old Punt Road, Wharf Road and the side of the Princes Highway will continue into the new year,” the spokesperson said.
Above: artist impression of the new bridge
“Start of work on the new bridge is not far away but there are a few more steps to be taken first.
“Roads and Maritime is minimising impact on the community by pausing work during the peak holiday period until 7 January 2019.
“There will be changes in traffic conditions and access to local public space as we prepare for major work early next year.”
Sections of Korners Park are being used to carry out utility relocation work and to build a temporary boat ramp to maintain access for boat users while the new bridge is being built.
Existing toilets and the carpark will stay open and the children’s playground will remain open until 7 January, while two shelters and a BBQ will be available until the end of January.
A new site compound on the vacant lot on the corner of Princes Highway and Clyde Street will be fenced off to complete underwater utility relocations as of January.
Changed traffic conditions on the Princes Highway will be in place from mid-January for the safety of workers and motorists.
Work is continuing on the establishment of a site office and community information centre at the former bowling club site and is due to be complete in early 2019.
In coming months, new compounds will be established on vacant land on the corner of Kings Highway and Old Punt Road, on Korners Park and on Old Punt Reserve, and on vacant land on the corner of Clyde Street and the Princes Highway. They will be used for construction activities and to store materials and equipment during major work.
These locations are close to the major work area and will reduce the amount of heavy vehicles on the highway and local roads.
Work will start in early 2019 to set up a facility outside of Batemans Bay to manufacture the concrete segments needed for the new bridge.
This will reduce impacts in and around the town centre.
From March 2019, work will start on vegetation and tree removal north east of the existing bridge near Old Punt Road and between Clyde and North streets.
The final stage of early work is the building of temporary toilets including disabled access near the Clyde Street boat ramp. The existing toilets are being removed as part of the project to prepare for major work.
The community and nearby residents will be kept informed of specific dates as this work progresses.
The first stage of major work will start in early 2019 when a temporary jetty is built on the southern foreshore to help move construction materials onto the river.
Cranes and barges will be used to build the bridge and will arrive for the first stage of major work.
For more information on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/BatemansBayBridge.
To keep up to date with the project, visit the project page.
