The Orlando Street road and pedestrian bridge, a key connection between Park Beach and the Jetty Foreshore, is set to receive a near $1 million upgrade to extend its service life.
The concrete and steel bridge over Coffs Creek was built in 1968. An inspection undertaken last year identified several issues requiring attention, including:
- Cracking, spalling and exposed corroded reinforcement in two piles
- A severe spall on the girder supporting the downstream footpath
- Abrasion of the concrete deck
- An incomplete pedestrian railing
- Undermining of the abutments
At its meeting on 28 May, City of Coffs Harbour Council resolved to award a $998,568 contract to SRG Global Civil Pty Ltd for the installation of a cathodic protection system and associated maintenance works.
“This is an example of the need to continue to invest in the infrastructure that we already have to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose for the benefit of the community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The Orlando Street bridge near the mouth of Coffs Creek is a key link for locals and for tourists moving about our coastline.”
City Transport and Open Spaces Group Leader Daniel Noble said the bridge also carries water and wastewater pipelines, which would not be affected by either the maintenance works or the installation of the cathodic protection system.
“The scope of the project will extend the service life of the bridge, minimise or prevent future concrete deterioration and reduce long-term and ongoing maintenance costs,” Noble said.
“To ensure the structural serviceability of the bridge and to mitigate further degradation, patch repairs and the installation of a CP system is recommended in conjunction with works on the surface of the bridge, to the abutments and associated assets.”
Cathodic protection involves supplying an electrical current to metal components to inhibit the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion.
The Orlando Street bridge upgrade is scheduled for completion during the 2026–27 financial year.
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