The Project
The Thurra River Bridge in East Gippsland, Victoria, was severely damaged during the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires and then again during the 2022 floods. The floods also changed the river’s course, requiring updated assessments and engineering plans to deliver the new bridge design.
Thus, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) initiated the design and construction of a replacement bridge. WGA provided design services to support principal contractor BMD, delivering civil, structural, flood modelling, and culvert design expertise for the bridge structures.
Technical Solutions
The new concrete and steel bridge was designed to be resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready. Featuring seven spans, it includes a 3.6-metre traffic lane and a 1.8-metre pedestrian lane, ensuring safe access for vehicles and pedestrians. Key highlights include:
- Constructability and Efficiency: WGA assessed multiple design alternatives to optimise constructability, meet DEECA’s technical requirements, and maintain cost efficiency. Adopted the Hume Deck system for off-site prefabrication, enabling rapid installation and minimising construction time.
- Geotechnical Design: Our team developed tailored pile designs for each pier to address complex riverbank soil conditions, improving structural stability and helping BMD optimise costs and resources.
- Safety and Accessibility: Our design incorporated alternative barriers and anti-climbing features to enhance pedestrian safety while maintaining vehicle access and compliance with modern standards.
Client Focus
Despite the project’s remote location and limited infrastructure, WGA overcame logistical and construction challenges to deliver a resilient bridge design. Smart engineering and disaster-resistant features ensure the structure can withstand natural hazards. Through efficient collaboration, the rebuild was completed in August 2025.
Image Credits: BMD Group
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