AN unexpected structural issue has been uncovered during refurbishment to Tilly Willy Bridge and essential work will force an extended closure.
Nambucca Valley Council now aims to reopen the bridge to traffic by Thursday 18 June.
The bridge, which has been undergoing major rehabilitation works since 4 May, has seen significant progress as Council’s structures team works to strengthen and preserve the ageing infrastructure.
Nambucca Valley Council acting general manager David Moloney said the refurbishment program had been progressing successfully before crews identified a section of failing girders that required additional work.
“Council’s structures team has been working on this old bridge since 4 May and its refurbishment program has been successful,” Mr Moloney said.
“The team has formed up and reinforced with steel and poured new concrete around three pile sets and they have reinforced and poured new concrete headstocks.
“However when they levelled the pre-cast concrete decking units, they realised there was a deck section sagging, which has meant the team now have to do more construction work to strengthen this section.”
Mr Moloney said the additional repairs were expected to add approximately one week to the project timeline, subject to weather conditions.
“Council estimates this extra work will take only one more week to complete, weather depending. We thank the community for its continuing patience, our team plans to re-open the bridge to traffic by COB Thursday 18 June, at this stage.”.
Once repairs to the failing girders have been completed and the bridge decking reinstated, attention will turn to strengthening the approaches to the bridge.
Council has identified ground movement on the creek bank approaches and plans to install a deep-lift asphalt treatment designed to improve stability and ensure the bridge can safely accommodate heavy vehicle traffic once reopened.
The bridge closure and associated detours will remain in place until at least the close of business on 18 June.
Residents of Kings Point travelling in light vehicles can continue to access Macksville via Jellico and Sturdee Streets before crossing Little Tilly Willy Bridge on Taylors Arm Road.
Motorists travelling between Macksville and Bowraville are encouraged to use Rodeo Drive where possible to minimise traffic impacts within the Kings Point estate.
While vehicle access remains restricted, pedestrian access across Tilly Willy Bridge continues via the footpath on the southern side of the structure.
The works have also affected access for fishermen using Tilly Willy Creek to reach the Nambucca River.
Commercial fishermen requiring further information are encouraged to contact Council’s structures team directly.
By Mick BIRTLES
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