General News
16 October, 2019
Beachside a hive of activity
WORKS are on schedule for the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge, according to Parks Victoria.
WORKS are on schedule for the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge, according to Parks Victoria.
The project entered the next critical phase in the construction program with the beginning of works to install the bridge support piles last Thursday.
The piles provide the foundation for the rectangular portals which will frame the views of the natural environment, and anchor the bridge suspension cables.
Manufactured off-site in an atmosphere controlled factory, the concrete piles are cured without climate fluctuations, ensuring the strength and rigidity required to support the 55-metre bridge span and to ensure longevity in the harsh coastal environment.
Starting last week, activity has been scheduled Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 5pm, with works expected to take about three weeks.
Parks Victoria Executive director infrastructure and information technology Ben Skinner said the piles will be driven into the ground using a hammering action causing increased noise during this time.
“The installation of the piles is an important milestone in the construction of the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge which will deliver year-round safe access between Port Campbell and the Port Campbell National Park,” he said.
“Parks Victoria is committed to deliver world-class nature based tourism experiences while preserving natural and cultural values for future generations to enjoy.”
The escarpment stairway on the Port Campbell National Park side of the bridge which will link the bridge to the existing lookout overlooking Port Campbell has also progressed with quotations currently being sought for construction.
A walking trail realignment at the top of the escarpment will increase visitor safety and experience, bypassing the car park and linking directly to the Discovery Trail.
Works on the staircase will begin from the top of the escarpment, moving down towards the bridge; providing greater protection of the hillside vegetation as the work footprint is minimised and allows for both projects to occur at the same time.
Once complete, the bridge will provide year-round connection for the community and tourists between the Port Campbell township and the Discovery Trail in the Port Campbell National Park.
The bridge is designed and constructed to withstand one in 100-year weather events.
The project is part of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, which is designed to protect the coastline and enhance the visitor experience between Princetown and the Bay of Islands.
The Master Plan will deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending and create 3834 Victorian jobs.