The bridge crosses the Murray Valley No. 2 Channel, which G-MW uses to deliver water to irrigators during the irrigation season.
G-MW Infrastructure Delivery Services general manager Warren Jose said the three-month irrigation off-season provided G-MW with the opportunity to undertake the works.
“Between mid-May and mid-August, we do not have our usual water delivery obligations,” Mr Jose said.
“This provides us with a great opportunity to complete works like the bridge replacement on Barnes Rd, as such projects are not feasible when the channels are in use.”
G-MW has built cofferdams either side of the works site to ensure the safety of the work crews and to keep the site dry.
The existing bridge was built in the 1940s and has deteriorated significantly since, no longer meeting modern safety standards.
Like some other bridges on the Murray Valley No. 2 Channel, it is connected to a concrete regulator housing a set of regulator gates.
The new bridge will be standalone to the gates, meaning traffic will not be impeded if the gates or concrete regulator need to be repaired or replaced.
Traffic approaching the bridge along Parnell Rd is being diverted north to the Murray Valley Hwy, where they can travel east to Katamatite East School Rd, then west along Powerline Rd until they reach Barnes Rd again.
“Please remember to take extra care when using these roads, as there will be increased traffic and heavy vehicles in the area,” Mr Jose said.
“We apologise for any inconvenience that may result from the road closure.”
The works will be completed by the end of September and will be delivered by G-MW’s appointed principal contractor — Civil and Earth Australia Pty Ltd.
For more information about the works, phone G-MW on 1800 013 357.
G-MW has built cofferdams either side of the works site to ensure the safety of the work crews and to keep the site dry.