Yinnar Bridge Gets Re-Vamped

Bridge comes down, bridge going up

By Latrobe City Council - 14th March 2002 - Back to News

Yinnar’s timber bridge across Middle Creek on Yinnar Road has been demolished, and construction on the replacement bridge is already under way. The bridgeworks are being funded from Latrobe City’s timber bridge replacement program.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that work on the old bridge had started last week, and the new bridge piles were driven Friday.

"Locals described the old bridge as ‘having the shakes’ which is typical of many old timber bridges that bear lots of traffic, so Council is extremely pleased that this project is now under way.

Prior to demolishing the old structure early last week, a temporary detour was constructed so that there would be as little inconvenience to local residents as possible," Cr Jenkins said.

Local civil and structural engineering consultants, Chris O’Brien and Company Pty Ltd, have designed the bridge, with construction work being carried out by local contractor, HCM Constructions Vic Pty Ltd.

Cr Jenkins said the new bridge would improve safety for road users and provide improved access for residents. "The bridge will firstly provide wider traffic lanes for vehicles, and importantly, separate metre-wide lanes for cyclists. There is no longer a risk that broken bridge planks may contribute to vehicle accidents, or that gaps between the bridge planks will pose a risk to cyclists, Cr Jenkins said.

Construction Engineer with Latrobe City, Richard Brammall, said prestressed concrete super Tslabs incorporated in the bridge design enabled the bridge to span the stream crossing in a single span, whereas, the existing bridge required two spans over the same distance.

"Being reinforced concrete, the bridge will be a very strong structure capable of carrying heavier vehicles than at present, and of course there will be reduced maintenance costs because reinforced concrete bridges are virtually maintenance free," Mr Brammall said.

"The one-span construction of the bridge will also yield benefits to the environment by reducing erosion. With a central pier no longer hindering the stream there is reduced erosion and improved stream flows. We are also installation rock beaching on the stream banks either side of the bridge to protect the bridge and banks from erosion under flood conditions," Mr Brammall said.

The new design is topped off with a steel bridge barrier railing, and steel beam guard fence to provide motorists and cyclists with greater safety," Mr Brammall added.

Yinnar’s new bridge across Middle Creek should open to traffic by late April.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com