Batemans Bay Bridge Replacement

22 Apr 2021

On March 2021, the new Batemans Bay Bridge over Clyde river opened to traffic in both ways. This new Bridge will be replacing the existing steel lift bridge with a new precast segmental box girder bridge. The Bridge opening to traffic has occurred ahead of schedule, which provided an opportunity to celebrate for the locals and personnel alike.

With the original bridge being built in 1956, the general wear and tear of the existing bridge has started to cause structural faults and raise safety concerns for the locals - in response to this, CaSE & Pike Design were engaged by John Holland to assist in both the construction of the new bridge and demolition of the old bridge.

The $274 million project will build better connections in and around Batemans Bay for motorists, freight, river users, pedestrians and cyclists.

"It’s not just about being a new bridge, it’s about being a safe bridge." - Transport Minister & local member Andrew Constance

Construction of the new bridge.

CaSE & Pike Design were engaged by John Holland to design the propping system to ensure the stability of the bridge during construction. The new Batemans Bay bridge is built with prefabricated concrete elements - installed from the piers towards the centre of the spans; using the balanced cantilever method to improve sustainability and durability.

The developed system is significant in its reduction to simplicity with a clear load path and elements that are simple to assemble, dismantle and re-use again on the next pier.

Demolition of the existing bridge.

The old Batemans Bay Bridge opened to traffic in 1956. CaSE & Pike Design were engaged by John Holland to assess the existing bridge during demolition one span at a time, with special temporary works to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and its foundation during its safe demolition.

CaSE’s approach was to ensure a clear load path and sufficient robustness for a fit-for-purpose methodology. This has been developed closely with the John Holland team.

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