Girder installation marks a major milestone for new Mandagery Creek bridge
Twelve pre-cast girders will be installed during January to allow completion of the downstream half of the new Mandagery Creek bridge at Manildra.
This work is part of the NSW Government’s $12 million commitment to replacing the existing bridge on Henry Parkes Way that has provided access to the Manildra town centre and been a key link between Orange and Parkes for almost 100 years.
Work on the replacement bridge began in September 2022 and Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair said the girder installation would see the new bridge really starting to take shape.
“This is an exciting milestone for the people of Manildra," Mr Lunn said.
“As a large 250-tonne mobile crane lifts the ‘super T’ concrete girders into position over three days from January 19-21 we will really start to see the new bridge taking shape and get an idea of what a great piece of infrastructure is being built here.
“Work will start on the Orange side of the creek on Friday evening before the crane is de-rigged and moved to the Manildra side of the creek for the remaining work on Saturday and Sunday.”
The girder installation will require a full bridge closure to all traffic from 6pm on Friday 19 January to 6am on Monday 21 January, meaning Manildra residents living either side of Mandagery Creek will have to detour via Cudal to access the other side of the creek.
Similarly, motorists travelling on Henry Parkes Way from Orange to destinations on the western side of Mandagery Creek or from Parkes to destinations on the eastern side of Mandagery Creek will have to detour via Cudal.
“Transport for NSW has worked closely with local stakeholders to minimise the impact of the weekend bridge closure and we will utilise extensive variable message signage (VMS) to alert motorists about the changes,” Mr Lunn said.
“Traffic control will be in place at either end of the bridge for 24 hours a day during the closure, as well as along the detour route.
“We urge motorists to plan ahead them and thank them for their patience as this vital regional project is delivered.”
Mr Lunn said the new bridge was being built on the same alignment as the existing bridge, which has been demolished in stages as part of the project.
Traffic was switched to the newly-constructed upstream half of the bridge last September and work is progressing well on the downstream half.
“The existing Mandagery Creek bridge was built in 1930 but its narrow lanes and poor condition do not meet modern design standards,” Mr Lunn said.
“The new bridge will be built with wider lanes and higher mass limits and will provide pedestrian access over the creek via a footpath on the northern side.
“The Mandagery Creek bridge is an important link for road users travelling on the Henry Parkes Way between Orange and Parkes and also for the Manildra local community as it links the local residents with the town centre.”
For more information on the Mandagery Creek bridge replacement, visit nswroads.work/manildrabridge.
For the latest traffic information across NSW, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic app or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.