Pearces Creek Bridge Replacement

Location	Pearces Creek NSW 2477
Client	Ballina Shire Council
Head Contractor	Hazell Bros (QLD) Pty Ltd
Type of works	Bridges
Overall Project Value	$5M
Status	Completed (Feb 2023 - Dec 2023)

The Pearces Creek Bridge Replacement project involved replacing the existing four-span timber bridge on Eltham Road over Pearces Creek, located on the boundary of Lismore City and Ballina Shire LGAs. The new reinforced concrete bridge, built on the downstream side of the existing structure, was designed to support two-lane traffic and meet a 100-year design life. The project incorporated the installation of new substructures and superstructures via dual crane lifts and included the demolition of the original timber bridge.

Scope of Works:

Bridge Construction and Demolition:

Implementation of staged long-term traffic guidance schemes with traffic control.
Piling and construction of reinforced concrete abutments.
Installation of five 32m Super T Girders using dual crane lifts.
Demolition and removal of the existing timber structure.

Earthworks and Pavements:

20,000 m³ of cut/fill earthworks with complex rock subgrade treatments.
Construction of 6 m high embankments approaching the bridge structure.
Flexible pavement construction (800 m), completed adjacent to a live roadway under a traffic guidance scheme.

Environmental and Miscellaneous Works:

Fauna protection, material stockpiling, and riverine environmental management.
Installation of cross drainage structures, concrete batter chutes, and vegetation clearing.
Topsoil placement, landscaping, and wearing course installation.
Line marking, signage, and other road furniture.

Project Highlights:

Constrained Site and Innovative Solutions:

Piling and crane pad design enabled safe delivery within tight site constraints.
Temporary weir river crossing, approved by NSW Fisheries, provided access to both abutments for heavy equipment, reducing interaction with local road users.

Girder Delivery Challenges:

Managed complex logistics for delivering 32 m girders on rural roads, addressing bridge load limits, low-height bridges, and horizontal curve alignments.

Traffic Management:

Conducted three traffic switches of the existing roadway.
Implemented a full road closure detour for critical works, contributing to early project completion.

Utilities Coordination:

Liaison with Essential Energy to temporarily lower overhead powerlines for piling and girder installation. Power was maintained for stakeholders using generators during critical works.