Concrete girder installation supports new Port Augusta Shared Use Path

Friday, 16 September 2022

Two of the largest precast, single-span prestressed concrete girders ever constructed in South Australia have been lifted into place in Port Augusta, as part of the $200 million Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication Project.

The 36-metre long and 1.8-metre high girders, manufactured by South Australian business Bianco Precast, were installed to form part of the dedicated shared use pedestrian and cycle path being constructed along the Augusta Highway over the national rail line.

Each of the mammoth girders has been constructed out of 16 tonnes of reinforced steel and 62 tonnes of concrete.

Works are continuing to extend the new Shared Use Path along Augusta Highway from the MacKay Street junction to the Flinders Terrace intersection (on the new bridge side of the Augusta Highway), as well as transforming the existing footpath into a raised bike lane.

The path is expected to be open to the public later this year, weather permitting. Safety screens and public lighting will be installed in the coming weeks before the path opens to the public.

Works are also continuing on upgrades to the existing Joy Baluch AM Bridge, as well as to the Augusta Highway junction with MacKay Street, which is being upgraded to a signalised intersection.

The works form part of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication Project, which is jointly funded by the South Australian and Australian governments (80:20), with full project completion in 2023.

The project is being delivered by the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta (PW2PA) Alliance.

PW2PA, a consortium of CPB Contractors, Aurecon and GHD, in alliance with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, is also delivering the $124.5 million Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication and $260 million Augusta Highway Duplication projects.

The Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication project is on track for completion in late 2022, with current works including the finalisation of the northbound Wakefield River bridge construction, asphalting works through the Port Wakefield township, installation of new road lighting, and completion of a new park in the town.

In a milestone this week, northbound traffic has moved onto the new section of the highway and the newly constructed Wakefield River Bridge just north of the town. Southbound traffic continues to use the southbound carriageway. Traffic in both directions will be temporarily reduced to single lanes, just north of the Port Wakefield service stations.

Single direction traffic continues to be in place through the town itself. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, drive to conditions and be mindful of crews working in the area. Access to local businesses and residences continues to be maintained.

The duplication of the Augusta Highway is progressing well along three separate work zones, with approximately 75 per cent of the earthworks and just over 20 per cent of the pavement works for the new carriageway completed to date.

The project is expected to be completed in 2023, weather permitting.