Bridge Constructions

Cohuna

As a major subcontractor to Decmil Southern, Road & Bridge constructed three new single span bridges; one at Cohuna and the other two near Lima East in Northern Victoria.

The existing bridges were timber, and all had been downrated to 5t &10t load limits due to the deteriorated condition of the timber structures. These were all demolished in the scope of works. The Cohuna bridge was built over an existing waterway structure which was protected during the installation of the driven piles using vibration monitoring.

Client
• Decmil Southern
• Mr. Gareme McMinn
• 0427 590 660

Project Characteristics
• 3 x single span RC bridges
• Significant Clearing & Earthworks
• Demolition of Existing Structures
• Significant Precast Concrete Works
• Cultural heritage sensitive site
• On Time & Budget

R&B Project Team
• Project Manager – Matthew Bowers
• Project Supervisor – Peter Storey

Part of Road & Bridge’s scope of works was the management of the design phase for Decmil Southern. This responsibility enabled us to tailor the designs to better suit our construction methodologies and reduce construction risks on-site. The reduction of piling risk at the Cohuna site is an example of this.

With limited as-build documentation of the existing structure, we decided to length the design and construction of the new bridge by 2metres. This change pushed the bridge abutments and consequently the piles back an extra 1 metre from the existing structures foundations which improved construction outcomes and further mitigated potential piling construction risks.

The construction scope for these bridges included the full build excluding the supply of precast planks and post tensioning works. Detailed project works included the clearing and earthworks to meet design turning circle parameters, demolition of existing structures, driven piles, cast in-situ abutments, beaching works, placement of bridge planks, installation of bridge railing and off structure guardrail, crushed rock pavements and road furniture.