This contract was a structural bridge strengthening project on a 70m, single lane, wooden bridge. The works included the removal and supply and installation of timber piles, removal of existing timber bearers and replacement with new steel bearers and removal and replacement of the cross bracing.
One of the main challenges involved with this project was working on a road that was open to traffic at all times. Logging trucks and general car traffic were using the bridge at all times so it was crucial that our works did not affect the road, while all workers remained safe. Another challenge was using the 2 existing piers in the water to work around which with large machinery was difficult. We had to build our temporary structure around these piers.
Another challenge was working over a river and dealing with the sediment control to ensure there were no implications to the environment. During the construction, we experienced some serious flooding and rain, which caused debris like logs to float down the river.
The most innovative part of this project was the bespoke temporary structure to lift the bridge so that we could allow the continuation of heavy traffic use on the top of the bridge, while we were able to simultaneously work underneath the bridge. This structure was verified as structurally adequate by an independent structural engineer to ensure this element would allow the works to be completed safely.
