Forests NSW Forest Engineering Services has recently received an Award for Excellence for its management of the restoration of Bombowlee Creek Bridge near Tumut.

The award (in the category for projects up to $250,000) was presented by the Australian Concrete Repair Association to the successful tender - Metropolitan Restorations, for its successful repair to existing concrete structure.

The cost of repairs to the bridge, which is located 12.5 kilometres north on Bombowlee Creek Road from the intersection with Brungle Road, was approximately $165,000 plus GST.

Bob Cooper, Senior Technical Officer with Forest Engineering Services said Bombowlee Creek Road was of strategic importance to Forests NSW, as it is the main arterial roadway providing access to the region’s softwood and hardwood resource of approximately 50,000 hectares lying north of Tumut.

Forests NSW originally built the bridge in the 1950s when Bombowlee Creek Road was upgraded to access Buccleuch State Forest plantation.

In 2006, Forest Engineering Services inspected the bridge piers and abutments after regional staff noticed surface cracks, reinforcement exposure and deterioration of concrete on the central pier.

"These defects were accelerated after the winter of 2007, due moisture absorption into the fissures, and corresponding freeze/thaw actions.

"Plus the problems were exacerbated by an increasing number of B-double trucks as they crossed the bridge in a southerly direction and through increased traffic volumes during the Billapaloola fires," Mr Cooper said.

Forest Engineering Services engaged the services of Engineering & Design Group to design the supper-structure support and remedial repair works for the bridge.

"The Group’s design was unique as it provided independent support of the portal, which prevented structural failure of the bridge, while concrete repairs and reinforcement works to the piers were carried out.

"It also met requirements for the bridge to remain open at all times for commercial reasons," Mr Cooper said. 

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Further reading

Forests NSW - Sustainable forest management

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669.