Cadia Mine Bridge Replacement

PROJECT
Cadia Mine Bridge Replacement over Cadiangullong Creek

DATE
2023

LOCATION
Orange NSW

CLIENT
Nelmac Pty Ltd

SECTOR
Structural Engineering, Hydrology

In November 2023, Orange NSW experienced extensive flash flooding and inundation following over 100mm of rainfall. This flash flooding resulted in the total destruction of the existing culvert across Cadiangullong Creek. As an essential access route to Newcrest’s underground and open-cut Cadia gold and copper mine, it was imperative that access was restored quickly. As such, we completed the design of the replacement bridge within 10 business days and used materials already on-hand to eliminate material lead times and expedite the construction process.

The new structure was designed in accordance with AS 5100 and RMS standards and was located well above the 1-in-100 year flood level to mitigate the risk of future flood impacts.

Aerial photo of a road winding through an industrial area and where a bridge has washed away into a muddy river.
Photo of where a bridge used to be, it has been washed away. There is a big gap where the bridge used to be, like the road has collapsed into the river. Muddy brown water is flowing fast in the river, there are rocks and stones in the gap. You can see both sides of the road on the left and right side of the photo.
Photo of where a bridge used to be, it has been washed away. On the right the country road winds out of a hill and there is a big gap where the bridge used to be, like the road has collapsed into the river. Muddy brown water is flowing fast in the river, there are rocks and stones in the gap and on the left is the other side of the road.
Photo of a steel frame for a bridge sitting over a waterway. The waterway is narrow and has large rocks either side of it, the bridge structure goes across the top. There is a yellow crane at one end of the bridge.
Photo of a steel frame for a bridge sitting over a waterway. The waterway is narrow and has large rocks either side of it, the bridge structure goes across the top. There are people in safety gear working on the bridge, and hills and trees in the background
Aerial photo of a steel frame for a bridge sitting over a waterway. The waterway is narrow and has large rocks either side of it, the bridge structure goes across the top. There are orange safety barriers and machinery on one side o the road.