Geotechnical investigations are underway for the replacement of Wingham's Bight Bridge.
A key stage in the replacement of Wingham's Bight Bridge is now underway, with geotechnical investigations commencing earlier this week.
The investigations involve lifting a barge and core drilling rig into the Manning River, with a series of core samples to be collected from four locations across the river.
The information gathered will help engineers determine the foundation requirements for the new bridge, including how bridge abutments and piers need to be anchored into the riverbed to withstand future flood events and other loading conditions.
MidCoast Council Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said the investigations are an important step in the bridge replacement project.
"The core samples will provide us with a detailed understanding of the ground conditions beneath the river, which is essential for determining the strength and depth of the bridge foundations," Mr Scott said.
"The rest of the bridge design relies on this information, so completing this work is a major milestone in progressing the project."
The investigations form part of Council's approach to streamline the bridge replacement project by progressing multiple design elements concurrently wherever possible.
"Geotechnical investigations are one of the major preliminary activities required to complete the bridge design," Mr Scott said.
"By undertaking this work now, alongside other design activities, we can continue moving the project forward as efficiently as possible."
The investigations are expected to be completed this week.
Council remains confident that design work for the replacement bridge will be completed later this year.
The current project timeline aims to have the bridge replacement project ready to go to tender in early 2027, with the intention of opening the new bridge to traffic in 2028.
To keep informed about the Bight Bridge replacement project and other road and bridge works across the MidCoast, visit Council's Roads Hub at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/roads-hub
