Coastal bridge ahead of schedule
By Michelle Neathercote
Workers on the Lawrence Hargrave Drive coastal bridge say work is months ahead of its February 2006 scheduled completion.
In another indication of an expected early opening, the State Government’s deadline for schools to participate in a naming competition for the bridge was brought forward to 23 September, the last day of term.
While initially saying the bridge would be finished and the road opened “ahead of schedule”, a Roads and Traffic Authority spokesperson later sent a statement saying “work is progressing well and the RTA is confident that the early 2006 commitment will be met, with a date for the opening finalised toward the completion of construction”.
A number of local business operators said they would appreciate being better informed about any proposed opening date to help them plan for the expected increase in visitors.
The RTA’s stance is understood to be related to the negative publicity that surrounded the opening of Sydney’s cross-city tunnel which was delayed because of electrical problems.
Between Coalcliff and Clifton, the south bridge - made up of approximately 40 concrete pours - is more than half finished. Work is also well underway on the only variation to the project, a widening of the road north of the pine trees to form a 50 metre ramp to the start of the bridge.
This widening will allow buses and trucks to pass safely on the previously dangerous northern headland.
On the eastern side of the widened bend will be a cantilevered cycle/walkway which will join up to the 2.5 metre wide cycle/walkway on the bridge.
Following the bridge’s completion, all temporary access roads and the remaining old coast road will be demolished with extensive landscaping done, including the planting of more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs.
On the cliffs near the approach roads, considerable rock anchoring and draped meshing will prevent further rock falls.
Adding to its unique status, the bridge is one of only four in the world that runs parallel to the coastline and the workers involved in its construction are proud of what they have achieved for this part of NSW.
“People don’t realise what they’re getting with this new coast road; it’s just going to be spectacular,” they said.
“When you’re out on the bridge you can look down and see the fish in the water below you … it’s by far the best project a lot of us have worked on.”
