Work starts on Towradgi bridge

By Paul Fahy

WORK has finally begun on the controversial $1 million pedestrian footbridge and cycleway over Towradgi Creek.

Construction got underway last week - two years after the installation of a sewerage pipe, which the bridge was designed to cover.

Controversy has surrounded the project since Sydney Water revealed plans to lay the pipe across the creek as part of a link in its Illawarra Wastewater Strategy.

Local residents called for the unsightly pipe to be placed underground, but Sydney Water deemed the proposal too expensive.

The decision sparked a community picket and several public meetings in 2004 before Sydney Water announced it would conceal the pipe with a new purpose built bridge to replace the existing structure.

Inspecting the construction site last Friday, Keira MP David Campbell said the new concrete bridge would be similar in profile to the old, but much stronger and in line with current standards.

"The decking will require very little maintenance and will extend over the top of the pipeline," Mr Campbell said.

"It will provide a safe crossing for decades to come and will prove to be a valuable community asset for those visiting this increasingly popular area."

Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd will undertake the construction work, which is expected to be completed in August.

A towering tracked drilling machine is currently being used to build the bridge's support piers.

Workers have built a temporary sand platform to allow access for the equipment.

Sydney Water project manager Phil Longfield said the existing bridge would remain open for most of the construction period.

The old bridge will be removed once the new higher and wider crossing is complete.

The local community will be kept up to date on the project through letterbox drops and signs placed at either end of the bridge.

For more information, phone Sydney Water's Illawarra Wastewater Strategy project information line on 1800 678 098.

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" Sydney Water's Phil Longfield and Keira MP David Campbell at the new bridge site over Towradgi Creek.

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