Design & Site Investigation for three bridge projects on Black Creek

• Project typeDesign & Site Investigation for three bridge projects on Black Creek.
• Project value$300,000
• Project scheduleCommenced 18 November 2024 & completion due 18 April 2025

Background

Council is exploring the option to consolidate the design and investigation for three critical bridge replacement projects over Black Creek. Each of these bridges — Doyle Street Bridge, Henderson Street Bridge, and Ferguson Street Bridge — serves as a vital link for residents, providing essential access to local amenities and the broader road network.

The Doyle Street Bridge, a single-span timber structure spanning Black Creek, has experienced significant timber decay that has reduced its load capacity from 14 to 10 tonnes. The proposed project aims to replace this bridge with a concrete or steel composite structure to restore its load capacity and ensure safe passage over the Hunter Water Channel.

Similarly, Henderson Street Bridge, spanning Black Creek, has been found to be in a deteriorated condition, with critical defects in its timber decking and girders. With a current load limit of 14 tonnes, the bridge requires replacement to maintain accessibility and safety for local residents. The proposed design includes a dual-lane concrete bridge with guardrails, prioritising durability and long-term serviceability.

Lastly, Ferguson Street Bridge, a two-lane structure over a stormwater channel managed by Hunter Water, was found to have severe deterioration in its timber elements, resulting in a reduced load limit of 15 tonnes. This bridge’s functionality, particularly as a bus route, has been impacted. The council intends to evaluate options for either full replacement or significant rehabilitation, with the potential addition of a pedestrian path.

By grouping the design and investigation phases of these projects, the council aims to streamline project delivery, ensuring consistency in design standards, optimising resources, and minimising community impact.

Scope of works

The broad scope of works includes:

• Conduct Road Safety Audit
• Review of Environmental factors (REF)
• Undertake Detailed Survey
• Geotechnical investigation, and;
• Develop detailed design for three bridge projects.

Location

Doyle Street Bridge

Ferguson Street Bridge

Henderson Avenue Bridge

Benefits

Installation of the new concrete bridge will reduce annual maintenance costs by 80-90%. The bridge will provide a better level of service and create new opportunities for the community. Though the majority of smaller emergency vehicles (ambulances etc.) can still pass across the bridge, due to the previous load limit, larger emergency vehicles, such as fire fighting vehicles, which are currently restricted, will be able to access this bridge as an emergency route. Provision for safe pedestrian access over the new bridge.

The new bridge structure will provide opportunities for development and growth of existing industries by enabling the route to be used uninterrupted. The wider and stronger bridge will allow the resident and business operations to transport larger and heavier goods.

The project will increase the bridge from a two narrow lane timber bridge to a two-lane concrete bridge with shared footpath. Users will have new line markings, sealed bridge surface and increased load capacity.