Watagan Road Bridge Replacement

Project Overview

Fortec was engaged by the Cessnock City Council to design and construct the replacement of the Watagan Road Bridge in Laguna, NSW.

This project posed a unique challenge of constructing a modern two-lane bridge over an existing heritage timber culvert bridge, all while preserving the heritage structure and keeping traffic open to the public.

The new bridge is wider, upgraded with SM1600 loading, traffic barriers, asphalt surfaces, and approach works and the heritage timber culvert bridge was preserved with zero impact, and traffic was managed smoothly throughout the project.

Fast Facts

  • CLIENTCessnock City Council
  • LOCATIONLaguna, NSW
  • YEAR OF COMPLETION2024

Scope of Works

The scope includes:

  • Bridge deck and approach slab demolition
  • Installation of a temporary bridge during construction
  • Construction of a new concrete bridge deck and approach slabs including self-performed precast post tensioned beams
  • Bored Piles to abutments
  • Earthworks to widen the existing embankments to accommodate road widenings to match the new bridge width
  • Installation of guard rail to bridge and road widenings
  • Asphalt placement to bridge deck

Key Points of Interest

  • Fortec developed a smart design during the tender stage, constructing the new bridge at the existing road level which minimized road works and delivered a cost-effective solution
  • A temporary bridge was installed to maintain traffic flow and once half of the new bridge was completed, traffic was safely switched over, enabling the completion of the other half
  • Post-tensioned concrete girders were self-performed by Fortec who are licence holders of the TfNSW approved MK4 Post Tensioning System, ensuring high-quality execution