A temporary bridge across Stoney Creek provided the right fit to reinstate access along Pembrooke Road as quickly as possible after the flood.
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The bridge project was completed and access restored in just over six weeks after the flood event started.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has a lengthy list of projects in response to flood damage. That included Stoney Creek Bridge.
Council's group manager infrastructure planning Cam Hawkins said reinstating access was quite high up the priority list as Pembrooke Road was a key link.
About 1000 vehicles a day travel on Pembrooke Road.
Mr Hawkins said the temporary solution was a prefabricated bridge.
The single-lane timber bridge was demolished after it sustained significant damage as a result of the March deluge.
Council staff quickly developed an abutment design and engaged a piling contractor.
The bridge abutment construction began in preparation for delivery of the temporary bridge.
The temporary span was lifted into position after the completion of abutment construction.
Road approaches were then constructed, followed by an asphalt pavement layer, signs and line marking.
The temporary bridge opened about May 6.
Southbound traffic at the single-lane bridge is required to give way to oncoming traffic.
There is a reduced speed limit of 20km/h through the area.
Meanwhile, funding was allocated in the council's 2020-2021 Operational Plan for the detailed design of a new and improved Stoney Creek Bridge.
Mr Hawkins said the council would look at different funding streams to deliver a two-lane concrete bridge with an improved road alignment as part of the longer term restoration.
The temporary bridge will ultimately be removed.
It is planned to re-use the temporary bridge into the future as a side track during general bridge maintenance to minimise the impact of stoppages and road closures.
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Lisa Tisdell
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
