Campbells Creek - Fryers Road bridges

This project is for the replacement of two bridges which are located just north and south of Hawkins Road opposite the Recreation Reserve on Campbells Creek - Fryers Road. Both are in poor condition and currently have 20t load limits in place.

Campbells Creek - Fryers Road is a Link Road and traffic count data shows that there are in excess of 800 vehicles per day using the bridges. The current load limit is not appropriate for a link road. The existing detour for heavy vehicles is through a residential area via Eleanor Drive, which is part unsealed and Blanket Gully Road.

In 2017 the bridges were inspected and found to be in poor condition, both were recommended for replacement in the short term and have now been prioritised for construction this financial year.

Both bridges have now reached the end of their useful life and will be replaced with new modern structures that complies with today’s standards for road and bridge construction.

The improvements planned include increasing the size of the bridges to allow a greater flow of water under the bridges therefore reducing the risk of flooding. The installation of rock beaching along the waterways to reduce erosion is included in the project.

The proposed bridges will more than adequately provide for increased use caused by any future residential developments planned in the area.

By constructing the bridges to current standards it is anticipated that the life of the bridge will be 80 to 100 years.

The current load limit on the bridges will also be removed.

The project is currently out for tender with prospective contractors preparing submissions for evaluation by Council officers. Tenders close 28 August 2020

Construction is planned to commence later this year.

The structures will need to be completed one after the other as access from Hawkins Road is to be maintained at all times. Construction of both structures will need to be in the Summer/Autumn of 2020 and 2021.

This is to minimise the risk of water flow during construction and although in the fire season Council will be looking as to how to minimise the impact of traffic diversion during this period.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of April 2021.

Graeme Barnes - info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au