By JOLENE OGLE
NOOSA Council has awarded a $2.4 million contract to an industry leader to prevent the failure of one of Noosa’s most used bridges.
After numerous delays, the Munna Point Bridge will finally be rid of the ‘concrete cancer’ that is threatening the structure when Marine and Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd begin repairs later this year.
Planning and Infrastructure Project manager Adam Britton said the project was in “safe hands” with Marine and Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd who are industry leaders in the rehabilitation of concrete structures within marine environments.
“They’ve undertaken work on many bridge rehabilitation projects for councils and state governments,” he said.
The project will address the concrete cancer, strengthen and protect the bridge and is expected to extend its life by 50 years.
The work is expected to take six months, plus a two month design process, and council is working with the contractor and Maritime Safety Queensland to ensure minimal disruptions to traffic and vessels.
Marine and Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd won the contract over 12 other tenders, some of which are believed to have been as high as $5.5 million and $6.7 million.
In a report to the Planning and Infrastructure committee on 31 March, three other bridges in the Noosa Shire were also marked for repairs; Sheraton, Witta Circle and Doonella bridges.
The report said all bridges were constructed at a similar time and are “showing similar signs of concrete cancer and (are) expected to require rehabilitation in coming years”.
Noosa Council Planning and Infrastructure director Martin Drydale said council had an inspection program for all of the shire’s bridges and any issues identified would be “put forward for consideration as part of council’s ongoing capital program”.
“Recent testing has confirmed that the other concrete bridges are in better shape than the Munna Point Bridge,” he said.
“But part of this year’s $200,000 bridge replacement budget allocation may assist in preparing designs for future rehabilitation work on these bridges.”
