Revised concept design
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has commenced work to replace three timber bridges on the NSW approach to John Foord Bridge between Corowa and Wahgunyah following feedback from the community. The work is expected to be completed late 2008.
These works are funded by the NSW Government.
Background
The RTA commenced plans to replace three timber bridges on the NSW approach to John Foord Bridge with lower level causeways.
In February 2008 residents, businesses and both councils were invited to comment on the project.
Plans to replace the timber approach bridges and manage traffic during the works were revised following comments on the display. A flood study and environmental assessment on this project have been completed.
Issues raised by the community
The following issues were raised in response to the display:
The height and location of three proposed separate culverts and causeways on the floodplain.
Pedestrians using walking tracks near the caravan park.
Pedestrian access to the John Foord Bridge.
A better project
The project design was revised to:
Improve pedestrian access to the flood plain and the John Foord Bridge.
Provide only one lower level causeway.
Improve access to the Corowa Sports Club in the event of major flooding.
New design features
The design has been revised to improve travel conditions for motorists by installing only one causeway at a lower level.
The design height of the culverts replacing the current approach bridges one and two has been increased to enable pedestrian access to the floodplain.
The RTA is proposing to construct a pedestrian ramp on the western side of the John Foord Bridge to allow pedestrians to cross the road near the bridge traffic signals.
Outcomes of environmental studies
An environmental assessment has identified measures to address potential impacts of the works. These measures include:
Protecting the Murray River environment, including river banks, from potential spills.
Developing a tree planting scheme, in consultation with council and the community, to replace any trees removed as part of the project.
Revegetating cleared and disturbed areas with native trees, shrubs and grasses following completion of the works.
A detailed flood study concluded the project would not increase the impact of a flood event.
Construction traffic arrangements
The approach bridge replacement work will still require two stages of work.
Stage one: Traffic will be diverted on to a temporary sidetrack to the west of the existing bridges. Approach bridges one and two will then be replaced with culverts. This stage is currently expected to take eight weeks (weather permitting).
Stage two: Traffic will continue to use the temporary sidetrack but will be diverted through the Sports Club carpark. Approach bridge three will then be replaced with a culvert and the lower level causeway. This stage is currently expected to take five weeks (weather permitting).
Access to the caravan park will be provided via an access road from the temporary sidetrack. This access will be permanent after completion of the bridgework.
John Foord Bridge deck works
The RTA will commence re-decking the John Foord Bridge in 2008.
To minimise disruption to the community, the RTA will carry out these works during construction work on the NSW approaches to the John Foord Bridge.
This will ensure all works are completed at the same time without creating additional traffic disruptions later in the year.
The re-decking of the bridge is expected to take approximately five weeks and will require the bridge to be closed to all vehicular traffic. A detour via the new Federation Bridge will operate at this time.
What happens next?
The re-decking of John Foord Bridge is currently scheduled to commence in October 2008. The community will continue to be updated on changes to traffic conditions and progress of the projects.
For further information
Project manager, Paul Moriarty
Ph: (02) 6938 1111
Fax: (02) 6938 1183
Email: Wagga_Wagga_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au
Or write to:
Bridge replacement project, Corowa
Roads and Traffic Authority
South West Regional Office
PO Box 484 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Back to top