Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) completed work in December 2008 to replace three timber bridges on the NSW approach to John Foord Bridge between Corowa and Wahgunyah.

These works were funded by the NSW Government.

Background

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) 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 were 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 was 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 was increased to enable pedestrian access to the floodplain.
• Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) also proposed 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. This was completed as part of the project.

Outcomes of environmental studies

An environmental assessment identified measures to address potential impacts of the works. These measures included:

• 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 required two stages of work.

• Stage one: Traffic was diverted on to a temporary sidetrack to the west of the existing bridges. Approach bridges one and two were then replaced with culverts.
• Stage two: Traffic continued to use the temporary sidetrack but was diverted through the Sports Club carpark. Approach bridge three was then replaced with a culvert and the lower level causeway.
• Access to the caravan park was provided via an access road from the temporary sidetrack. This access has now become permanent.

John Foord Bridge deck works

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) also completed re-decking of the John Foord Bridge in December 2008.

To minimise disruption to the community, Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) carried out these works during construction work on the NSW approaches to the John Foord Bridge.

This ensured all works were completed at the same time without creating additional traffic disruptions.

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 Maritime Services
South West Regional Office
PO Box 484 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650