Transport

Thurra River Bridge

Location
East Gippsland, Victoria
Value
$8 million
Client
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Status
In progress
20250126_03

About the project

BMD has been engaged by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to deliver a replacement for the Thurra River Bridge in Croajingolong National Park, Victoria – following the collapse of the original bridge during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires and further damage sustained during the 2022 East Gippsland floods.

Located near the East Gippsland coast, the Thurra River Bridge is a vital link for the Cann River community. It supports the local economy by providing access to key tourist destinations like Thurra River Campground and Point Hicks Lighthouse while also serving as a crucial route for bushfire relief and recovery efforts.

Scope

demolition of the existing bridge

clearing and bulk earthworks

construction of the seven span bridge over Thurra River

drainage and pavement works

line marking, street furniture and signage

landscaping and finishing works

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Outcomes

Due to the restricted width of the site’s access route, large construction equipment such as the crane and piling rig, were disassembled for transport on semi-trailer trucks, then reassembled on site, ensuring efficient operation in the challenging environment.

BMD developed the bridge design to maximise the use of precast concrete bridge elements, strategically addressing the challenges posed by the project's remote location and limited concrete supply. This approach streamlined the construction timeline and minimised environmental impact by reducing the need for in-situ concrete pours.

To further optimise transportation logistics, the bridge beam length was reduced from 15 metres to 12 metres, facilitating the efficient delivery of beams to the remote site. This adjustment eliminated the need to widen and resurface access routes, resulting in significant time and cost savings.