Spike bridge wins construction award

The construction company responsible for building the Spike Milligan Bridge, "Woy Woy Pedestrian Bridge", has won the first category of the Civil Contractors Federation Annual National Earth Award.

Waegar Construction was presented with the award on October 27, in Alice Springs.

A press release on the CCF website stated that the Federation represented Australia's infrastructure contractors and the Earth Awards recognised those who display "excellence in this demanding field".

The press release from the CCF gave a long explanation of why Waegar Construction had been presented the award.

It stated that: "Working in heavy traffic conditions, restricted site conditions and environmentally sensitive waterways, Waeger Group completed the Woy Woy pedestrian bridge to provide a landmark structure which provides a cycle and walkway network from Gosford to Woy Woy.

"The design featured a three-span bridge similar to and designed around the layout and methodology of the adjoining road bridge.

"With overall costs set at $910,800, which represented a 25 per cent saving on previous tenders, the Waeger proposal enabled the Gosford City Council to complete approach works in conjunction with the bridge construction, eliminating the need to wait on the next year's works allocation.

"Undertaking industry best practice, the structure was designed and constructed using readily available products and components.

"Precast components enabled efficient off-site casting and preparation with local plant and equipment being utilised for installation."

The Civil Contractors Federation stated that the project reflected the Waeger "open-minded approach" to construction.

"With the limited site area restricting lifting capacity and budget restraints, the innovative use of standard components and simple precast sections delivered a unique structure," it stated.

"Every aspect of the structure was considered not only as a part of the whole, but also as an individual item.

"This approach allowed Waeger to analyse the required purpose of the item and source a suitable 'off-the-shelf' section.

"The project had the advantage of a significant amount of geotechnical information being available.

"Precast concrete piles were supplied and driven to an overall depth of 28m.

"These were supplied as 16m and 12m lengths with an epoxy resin jointing system.

"These lengths were easily handled by the piling contractor and local transport and cranage companies.

"With the site on the edge of Woy Woy Bay the need to keep foreign matter away from local waterways was paramount.

"The utilisation of precast concrete components eliminated many of the potential environmental risks associated with over-water construction.

"The use of standard components and precast concrete reduced the level of waste to an absolute minimum.

"All excavation materials were stockpiled on site and later re-used as backfilling and landscaping.

"All waste concrete was transferred to the local concrete recycler; waste steel was collected and sold to metal recyclers and all packaging and strapping was separated and disposed as best suited.

"Only one small waste bin was required on site for perishable waste."

Civil Contractors Federation national president Mr Phillip Marsh said the winning projects continued to meet the "high standards of construction excellence which had typified the awards over the past 15 years".

Press release, 27 Oct 2007 Civil Contractors Federation