Dunmore heritage bridge

May 2012

RFS is engaged in a $15 million project to rebuild this heritage bridge over the Paterson River at Dunmore. Work is planned for completion in February 2013.

Work involves the replacement of the existing three timber truss spans with new timber truss and stress laminated timber decks plus associated work to repair the substructure of the bridge.

The unique aspect of this project is that each span is being completely rebuilt in a purpose built construction site enclosure adjacent to the bridge. This has great safety benefits as it avoids working next to traffic and reduces the need to work at height. It also improves the separation of people and plant on site.

Two large cranes (600 tonne lifting capacity) will be used to lift out the existing spans and lift in the new spans.

Temporary pads using steel piles will be constructed on site to support each crane and to avoid the river bank from collapsing under the weight of the cranes.

The project is expected to generate a high level of public interest and so a viewing platform will be erected on the river bank. This will create a safe area for site visitors, keeping them separated from the works area.

The work is being carried out by the Hunter Bridge Services team under the management control of Steve Hoolihan.

The site engineer is David MacGregor from RMS Hunter Project Services, who is responsible for project delivery.

The project is a great example of the Roads and Maritime Services internal alliance providing the right staff with the right skills to deliver projects.