Dawson Highway Timber Bridge Replacement

Engineering Project Details

Project Summary

Transport and Main Roads received $40m to replace five existing timber bridges on the Dawson Highway between Calliope and Biloela. The new concrete structures permitted existing weight limitations to be removed, significantly improving freight efficiency for the region. The new wider structures have increased safety for all road users, and the high-level bridges improve the link’s flood resilience and safety by delivering a Q50 level flood immunity at the five locations.

Civil Support was engaged to provide guidance and mentoring to the TMR Project Manager during the detailed design development. In addition to constructability review and development of the tender documentation, Civil Support managed the tendering, evaluation and contract award.

The distance and travel time between the bridge sites required careful planning and targeted resource allocation for surveillance activities. Civil Support were sub-contracted to provide staff to fill some of the key roles in the contract administration team, including the role of Administrator.

The Administrator worked collaboratively with the Contractor’s representatives to develop the Severe Weather Management Plan, which was implemented on three separate occasions due to flooding of the low level side-tracks. Delays to the public were minimised, and prioritisation of key construction activities resulted in minimal damage and delay to the contract works.

Construction was completed one month earlier than expected in May 2018, and the project was delivered well below budget, delivering significant savings to TMR which can be reinvestigated into the state-controlled road network.

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