Major work is under way on the new bridge across the Richmond River at Broadwater with pre-cast concrete bridge beams to be installed over the existing Pacific Highway from this week. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the concrete beams, known as Super-T girders, will form the span of the bridge where it crosses the existing Pacific Highway. They will help to support the deck for the new bridge, which is the longest on the northern half of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade at about one kilometre. “The girders will be lifted into place over the existing highway from Thursday 14 June for five consecutive nights, weather permitting,” he said. “The Super-T girders will be installed at night and during the week to minimise disruption to traffic and improve safety for road users and workers. “Traffic will be temporarily stopped in both directions multiple times each night on the Pacific Highway while the girders are installed. Road users can expect traffic stoppages of up to 20 minutes between 8pm and 11pm and of up to 40 minutes between 11pm and 4am.” Traffic control and reduced speed limits will be in place and motorists are encouraged to allow extra time when planning their journeys. Road users may need to consider alternative routes between Ballina and Grafton. Roads and Maritime Services considered a number of options to carry out this work. This option allows the project team to complete the work in a short timeframe, minimising the impact on motorists while safely separating traffic from the work zone. State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the work to build the new bridge over the Richmond River at Broadwater is progressing well, with columns, headstocks and girders continuing to be installed on either side of the existing highway. “Work to install concrete bridge girders to form the deck of the bridge started in late March with more than 60 installed to date. At about 38 metres long and weighing 80 tonnes, it has been a huge effort to transport the girders from the pre-cast facility at Macksville to the construction site at Broadwater,” he said. Roads and Maritime encourages motorists to remember P.A.C – Plan, Awareness, Caution – while this major work takes place. P.A.C asks road users to plan their journey using information provided, be aware of changed traffic conditions and use caution before hitting the road. Heavy vehicle operators and drivers are encouraged to consider their travel on these dates and plan their journey. Restricted access vehicles considering an alternative route are encouraged to check the relevant network map at rms.nsw.gov.au/hv-maps.” For the latest traffic updates visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. The upgrade, which is due to open by 2020, is being funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments on an 80:20 basis. Roads and Maritime thanks the community for its patience and apologises for any inconvenience while this important work is carried out to build a better, safer road, To stay up to date, be aware and plan accordingly, motorists can visit rms.nsw.gov.au/w2b or register for email or SMS notifications by calling 1800 778 900 or emailing w2b@pacificcomplete.com.au.