December 13, 2021
The latest forecasts for public sector investment in infrastructure suggest that the current infrastructure construction boom will continue over the next few years. With at least $180 billion worth of projects currently underway, investment is likely to balloon to over $250 billion in 2022 and beyond. A key investment for infrastructure is bridges, both new builds and pre-existing bridge renewals.
Bridges are an essential part of our road and transport networks, and the economy. Travelling over and across waterways, motorways and valleys enables us to reduce time, avoid obstacles, and increase community and market connections. Not dissimilar to other infrastructure projects, bridge projects require the implementation of extensive geotechnical and construction risk assessment practices and procedures, and ongoing management considerations.
This three-part series will explore:
- the fundamentals of bridge construction and provide insights into some of Australia’s current bridge projects;
- geotechnical standards and essential criteria to ensure a bridge is fit for purpose; and
- the construction risks and what can go wrong, and how to insulate against those risks.
Current Investment
Some of the bridge projects and programs, either set to commence, or already underway, include:
- Bridges Renewal Program (Cth), $845 million;
- Bridgewater Bridge Replacement (TAS), $600 million;
- Nowra Bridge Project (NSW), $342 million;
- Joy Baluch Bridge Upgrade (SA), $200 million; and
- Neville Bonner Bridge – Queen’s Wharf (Qld), $100 million.
Bridges Renewal Program
On 10 November 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, announced that the Bridges Renewal Program is open to new applications. The allocation of $845 million to the Bridge Renewal Program is part of a $110 billion infrastructure plan to be delivered by the Federal Government between 2015 to 2030. Since 2015, the program has accepted applications, over five rounds, for funding from state, territory and local governments. Under the program, the Australian Government has provided up to 50 per cent of the total cost of eligible projects that meet the program objectives. The objectives of the program are to upgrade and replace bridges to enhance access for local communities and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.
Bridgewater Bridge Replacement
As part of the $1.4 billion Hobart City Deal, the Australian and Tasmanian governments are committing $576 million to replace the Bridgewater Bridge, making the project the largest ever investment in a single transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history. With construction expected to begin in 2022, the objectives of the new bridge are to make travel safer and more efficient for growing freight and passenger movements, improve connections with local communities, and achieve better utilisation of existing infrastructure. McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) and CPB Contractors have been shortlisted to participate in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process. Completion is expected in 2024.
Nowra Bridge Project
As part of the $4 billion Princes Highway Upgrade (which commenced in 2011), the Australian and New South Wales governments have committed $342 million to the Nowra Bridge Project. The project will provide for a new four lane bridge crossing the Shoalhaven River and will feature upgraded intersections and additional lanes on the Princes Highway. The upgrades are expected to improve traffic flow and ease congestion on a major section of the highway. Major work commenced in 2020 with the design and construct contract awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction. Completion is expected in 2024.
Joy Baluch Bridge Upgrade
The Australian and South Australian governments have committed $200 million to the Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication Project. The project will provide another two lane bridge crossing the Spencer Gulf and will feature a widening of the approach road and embankments, and improved earthquake resistance. The new bridge will improve road safety and connectivity, and improve passenger travel times and freight productivity. Construction commenced in 2020 with the design and construct contract awarded to a consortium of Aurecon, CBP Contractors, and GHD. Completion is expected in 2022.
Neville Bonner Bridge
As part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development, Destination Brisbane Consortium will allocate almost $100 million to the construction of the Neville Bonner Bridge. The pedestrian-only bridge will cross the Brisbane River, connecting the Queen’s Wharf development to South Bank Parklands. Construction of the development commenced in 2019 with the construction contract awarded to Multiplex. It is expected that, after completion in 2023, 10,000 people will cross the bridge every day.
Challenges with Bridges
Bridges are an essential part of Australia’s infrastructure, providing improved transport times, increased productivity, visual amenity, and safer travel, and, will be used for up to 100 years. As such, bridge projects require meticulous planning for safe construction and use, with the end product being fit for purpose, and capable of enduring increased use and payloads. Throughout the design, construction, and management phase of a bridge project, complex challenges that may inevitably arise include:
- geotechnical assessments which identify the soil, rock, and groundwater properties at a site, ensuring the suitability for foundations and construction; and
- compression and tension force studies to be undertaken to ensure that the bridge is strong and stable, and capable of supporting the load.
Lamont Project & Construction Lawyers
We have the industry knowledge and experience to assist both Principals and Contractors in all major bridge projects, their unique challenges and implementing contractual frameworks which best align with project objectives. If you have any questions about any matters raised in the above article or the forthcoming series as it relates to your specific circumstances, please contact Lamont Project & Construction Lawyers.
The content of this article is for information purposes only; it does not discuss every important topic or matter of law, and it is not to be relied upon as legal advice. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your specific circumstances.
Contact: Peter Lamont or Kristopher London
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3248 8500
Address: Suite 1, Level 1, 349 Coronation Drive, Milton Qld 4064
Postal Address: PO Box 1133, Milton Qld 4064