› Transport › Infrastructure Projects › Leven River Bridge

Project Background

A new bridge has been built to replace the 1934 bridge.  The new bridge is both functional and a landmark feature, providing additional safety features for road users.

Project Benefits

• Improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
• A shared footpath for pedestrians and cyclists
• Reduced maintenance costs
  

Funding

The replacement of the Leven River Bridge is funded by the Tasmanian Government with support from the Central Coast Council

Heritage and Environment Values

• The replacement bridge was be constructed with minimal environmental impacts
• The shore areas at each end of the bridge will be landscaped by Council following construction
• The existing bridge provides an early example of composite steel and concrete construction. In recognition of these historical values, a partial cross section of the existing bridge will be retained for use as an historic monument
  

Timing

• Awarding of contract - January 2010 to VEC Contracting Pty Ltd
• Construction commenced mid March 2010 
• Bridge completed and in use July 2011
  
• Removal of old bridge programmed for October 2011.
  

Impacts

Pedestrians

Current access under the existing bridge will be affected. During construction, pedestrian access will still be available on one side of the existing bridge.  The Contractor has developed a pedestrian access plan.

Road Users

The Contractor has prepared a traffic management plan.

Current Status - September 2011

• Bridge approaches and safety barriers are being completed
• Footpath works linking the bridge to Reibey Street, the wharf area and Anzac Park are being constructed by Central Coast Council.
  
• Bridge feature lighting to be commissioned end of September 2011.
  

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Urban Design Features

The urban design features of the bridge have been finalised in consultation with the Central Coast Council and VEC.  The main design features to be incorporated into the bridge include:

• Curved street light poles to match the curved alignment of the new bridge.
  
  
• Architectural lighting of the bridge beams under road level to provide a night feature of the bridge and to enhance the Council's plans for the wharf redevelopment.
  
  
• A Leven River bridge interpretation area to identify all the previous 5 bridge crossings of the Leven and including a display of the current bridge construction.