Over $40 million has been committed to repairing bridges and infrastructure along the River Murray after floods in 2022-23 caused significant damage.
Essential repair works have commenced on two key South Australian bridges to combat damage caused by bridge scour, a phenomenon where swiftly moving water erodes soil and rocks around bridge foundations, potentially compromising structural integrity.
The Gurra Gurra Creek Bridge and the River Murray Flood Plain Bridges will both receive critical repairs to their piers and abutments. These upgrades aim to strengthen the bridges and enhance their resilience against future flooding events.
To safely carry out works in the water, floating barriers will be positioned within the Gurra Gurra Creek waterway to keep vessels away from the construction zone. Despite the barriers, recreational water activities can continue on adjacent bridge spans.
“The 2022-23 River Murray floods were a stark reminder of how vital our bridges are during a major flooding event and the importance of maintaining our bridge infrastructure”, a Department for Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson says.
“We understand these bridges are a key link to connect families, businesses and communities and we thank you for your patience as we undertake this important work.
“Scour repair is a critical step in protecting the structural integrity of our bridges and ensuring the safety of the local communities who use them daily.
“We’ll work hard to minimise disruptions and complete these repairs as efficiently as possible.”
Construction crews will operate Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm, with the entire project scheduled for completion by mid-November 2025.
Motorists should expect speed reductions and occasional lane closures during working hours, although all restrictions will be lifted once crews finish for the day.
One significant benefit for freight and heavy vehicle operators is that the current load restrictions for mobile crane trucks on the Gurra Gurra Creek Bridge will be lifted once repairs are complete.
The project is part of the broader River Murray Flood Recovery Program and will sustain around 15 full-time jobs throughout the construction phase.
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