11 September 2019

Second barge takes up residence on Clyde River for Bay Bridge replacement

| Ian Campbell
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AMS1807, this 3,000 tonnes floating work platform. Photo: South Coast Pix.

AMS1807, this 3,000 tonnes floating work platform. Photo: South Coast Pix.

Batemans Bay High School students were among the crowd who welcomed a second massive construction barge to the Clyde River today (August 14) as the even bigger big Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project hit another milestone.

The second barge left the Brisbane River 12 days ago and passed under the 1956 structure it is helping replace at about 1.15 pm this afternoon. It will be anchored on the Clyde for the duration of the project.

AMS1807 was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect Batemans Marine Park from any biohazardous materials. Photo: South Coast Pix.

AMS1807 was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect Batemans Marine Park from any biohazardous materials. Photo: South Coast Pix.

Named AMS1807, this 3,000 tonnes floating work platform is 21 metres wide and 55 metres long, and will work alongside AMS1803 which arrived in early July.

AMS1807 had a two-day stopover in Jervis Bay waiting for swells to ease before making the final run down the coast. It was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect Batemans Marine Park from any biohazardous materials.

AMS1807 was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect Batemans Marine Park from any biohazardous materials. Photo: South Coast Pix.

AMS1807 was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect Batemans Marine Park from any biohazardous materials. Photo: South Coast Pix.

Member for Bega, Andrew Constance says in recognition of International Youth Day, Year 12 Science and Math students from Batemans Bay High School were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the project site and watch the barge making its journey into the Clyde with the project team.

“International Youth Day is a day to raise awareness of the positive role young women and men play in our community and to celebrate it we wanted to share with students an up-close look at the project and this historic milestone,” he says.

AMS1807 had a two-day stopover in Jervis Bay waiting for swells to ease. Photo: South Coast Pix.

AMS1807 had a two-day stopover in Jervis Bay waiting for swells to ease. Photo: South Coast Pix.

“The theme of International Youth Day for 2019 is Transforming Education, and on this project we are committed to providing local young people life-changing learning opportunities.

“Throughout major work, the project team will work closely with local schools to provide work experience opportunities to give students a taste of the various disciplines required to build this bridge including engineering, environment, design, safety and community engagement.”

As of July, the project’s workforce consists of 10 percent of under-25’s compared to a state target of eight percent.

“We also wanted to take this opportunity to remind the region’s young people that recruitment for Transport for New South Wales’ 2020 Apprentices and Trainees is open with 10 positions available in the Illawarra, South Coast and Monaro regions.”

Batemans Bay High School students were among the crowd who welcomed a second massive construction barge to the Clyde River. Photo: Supplied.

Batemans Bay High School students were among the crowd who welcomed a second massive construction barge to the Clyde River. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Constance says local opportunities include a Heavy Vehicle Plant Mechanic apprenticeship and a Civil Construction apprentice.

Applications close on Sunday, August 18. Successful candidates will start their career with Transport for NSW in January next year. Explore the I Work for NSW website for details.

The $274 million Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project is expected to be completed early 2023, which includes the demolition of the existing bridge and completion of the foreshore areas. For more check the project’s website.

Thanks to Robert and Kate Jacobs from South Coast Pix for there amazing images and sharing them so generously. To see more of their work head to the South Coast Pix Facebook page.

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