The Petrie Creek Road Bridge, also known as Dusty Rhodes Bridge, is a crucial regional link located approximately six kilometres west of Maroochydore, spanning Paynter Creek.
CMC constructed and delivered a new 76 metre long, 13.6 metre wide, four-span transversely prestressed concrete bridge. The scope also included the demolition of the existing 50-year-old timber bridge, realignment of the existing approaches, and realignment of the intersection with Diddillibah Road. The project faced significant challenges due to its location in an environmentally sensitive tidal estuary, alongside heavy daily traffic (10,000 vehicles daily), limited construction space and piles and headstocks of the design level of the bridge being regularly inundated by tidal movements.
Innovation: Implemented Controlled Modulus Columns instead of traditional timber piles, enhancing the bridge’s longevity and reducing costs while meeting the client’s 100-year design life requirement. Additionally, used an innovative temporary steel bridge for substructure construction to avoid disturbing the creek.
Safety: Successfully managed construction under live traffic conditions with an average of 10,000 vehicles passing daily.
Environmental: Addressed the presence of acid sulfate soils and sensitive estuary conditions by employing specialised construction techniques. Spoil from piling works was carefully contained and treated within settlement bunds, preventing environmental contamination.
Economic: Despite challenges such as high rainfall, unexpected tidal effects, and complex ground conditions, the project was completed on time through strategic innovations and adaptations in construction methodologies, demonstrating effective cost and program management.
