Realigned Olympic Highway improves road safety in Kapooka

BMD Constructions has delivered a safer road in regional New South Wales with the realigned Olympic Highway at Kapooka officially opened on Tuesday 14 June.

The existing Kapooka Bridge, originally built in 1880, was a traffic black spot and its upgrade had been in the planning stage for over 20 years. BMD Constructions successfully delivered the $55 million project on time with the scope including a new road bridge over rail, three kilometres of greenfields highway construction and a new interchange to the Blamey Barracks, Kapooka.

The project was one of the largest road projects in recent history in the Wagga Wagga area, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

To signify the traffic switch on to the new bridge, the NSW Government organised an opening which was attended by the NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, State Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire and Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council Rod Kendall. The bridge was officially opened by these dignitaries, who cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque dedicated to Australian servicemen and women in recognition of their important links to the bridge’s past, present and future.

The project team placed particular emphasis on BMD’s Zero Harm goal, achieving over 220,000 hours Lost Time Injury free and a Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate of just six. The team also remained committed to protecting the environment, achieving “Green Lights” on 80 per cent of the joint Roads and Maritime inspections.

Unique Bulb-T girders were utilised during construction, an innovation for constructing bridges at skew angles of greater than 45 degrees. BMD Constructions designed and constructed a temporary walkway that was affixed to the web and lower portion of the Bulb-T girders prior to assembly. This allowed the team to keep the temporary walkway in place while the precast parapet, twin rails and throw screens were being installed.

With the realigned highway now open, the project has achieved its objective of improving road safety, improving freight efficiency and reducing travel times along this stretch of road which has a history of crashes.