Requiring a ‘low touch’ bridge that blends seamlessly into Pyes Creek habitat our team developed...
- Client
- Wyong Shire Council
- State
- New South Wales
Speed meets sensitivity: replacing a popular community link at Lake Tuggerah.
The old timber footbridge spanning Tumbi Creek at Berkeley Vale on the NSW Central Coast had had its day. No longer compliant with the latest safety codes and environmental requirements, Wyong Shire Council looked to FORGE (formerly Fleetwood Urban) for a cost efficient and attractive solution that was also highly sensitive to the local habitat.
We delivered, using our Stirling Cable Stayed Bridge System which was pre-assembled off-site and then installed in just 24 hours.
Our involvement.
Given the substantial structure required to span Tumbi Creek - 50 metres long, 3.5 metres wide – a cable stayed bridge was the obvious solution.
Having successfully delivered the Stirling Cable Stayed Pedestrian Bridge many times, we were confident it was the attractive, yet robust structure required. Council agreed and, guided by our proprietary project methodology, the bridge was then completely designed, manufactured & installed by FORGE (formerly Fleetwood Urban).
To minimise any damage to the sensitive site ecology, all bridge components were fabricated off-site in our factory, before the bridge was smoothly assembled in just 24 hours using a 250-tonne crane.
To complete the project FORGE (formerly Fleetwood Urban) was also responsible for the approaching boardwalks, balustrade, sandstone rock walls and landscaping works.
Design Challenge
Wyong Shire Council wanted the new bridge to be highly functional and durable, while meeting every environmental standard.
Visually, the design also needed to work in harmony with the natural surroundings of Tuggerah Lake foreshore.
Construction Challenge
We had to be very mindful of the foreshore’s sensitive native habitat, especially the delicate ecology of its soil and surrounding marshes. This meant the new bridge needed to be installed without excavation using driven piles.
Innovations
The innovative Stirling bridge was perfect for the sensitive site. It effectively increased our ability to span Tumbi Creek whilst still providing optimum support and an elegant architectural appearance. But most importantly it was able to be supported on both the left and right sides, instead of going into the creek itself.
Features
- 50m cable stayed pedestrian bridge
- Approaching boardwalks
- Sandstone rock walls and landscaping
Safety and Risk Considerations
Many of the potential risks for our crews were removed by using a design that kept all footing works out of the creek. The work area was fully fenced off, and public safety concerns were further allayed by keeping the locals regularly updated with construction dates via letterbox drops and signage.
Sustainability Considerations
Given the highly sensitive environment, Council required minimal disturbance to the local watercourse. By not excavating, no potential acid sulphate soils were created, and therefore none had to be treated or disposed of. The Stirling bridge structure and finishes are also low-maintenance, reducing the need for future disturbances by work crews.
