Cambridge bridge to be strengthened
The Cambridge low level bridge is set to get stronger to accommodate the high volume of trucks that now carry heavier loads.
Scaffolding has been built under the bridge in preparation for the work which is set to begin above deck at the beginning of June.
The work involves drilling holes through the bridge deck and bolting 72 steel plates, each weighing about 45kg, to the middle section of the bridge.
It's the first time the bridge has needed strengthening since it was built in 1964.
The work above deck will be carried out during the evenings from 6pm and is expected to be complete by 30 June. There won't be any road closures during the work but there may be slight delays.
Project Engineer Greg Wiechern said the work will be carried out as efficiently as possible and will meet new capacity requirements once finished.
Although there will be no closures, we are encouraging car users to use Victoria Bridge instead. However we realise trucks have no other route so they will definitely still be able to use the bridge, says Mr Wiechern.
We realise we will be working on the bridge during the Fieldays at Mystery Creek, but we will make sure the work doesn't become an inconvenience. This may mean we will start work later in the evening during the Fieldays period to allow traffic to flow smoothly.
The work will be carried out by Conspec Contractors and will cost around $450,000.
ENDS
For more information contact Stephanie Slattery, Senior Communications Advisor, 027 807 3478.