Kelly Civil Construction was engaged by Parks Victoria to undertake emergency bridge repair works on Delaney’s Track in the West Otways, a remote four-wheel-drive access route located within densely vegetated forest terrain. The project presented significant logistical challenges due to the isolated location, steep topography, and restricted site access.
Prior to repair works commencing, over two kilometres of narrow and overgrown track were cleared to establish safe access to the site. The route traversed difficult terrain amongst mountain ash forest and tree ferns, with wet ground conditions and mud further complicating access for plant and equipment.
The bridge, situated at the base of the valley, had sustained damage following the fall of a large tree, resulting in damage to both the bridge deck and guard rail system. Kelly Civil Construction assumed full responsibility for the repair works, engaging local fabricators and precast suppliers to manufacture replacement bridge components, including a new precast bridge deck panel and replacement guard rail sections.
A key challenge of the project involved the transport and installation of the replacement precast bridge deck panel, weighing approximately 4 tonnes. Using specialist plant and experienced operators, the panel was carefully transported along the steep and winding access track before being accurately positioned onto newly welded and tested shear studs. Following installation, grout was placed into the panel pockets to secure the structure and provide long-term durability.
The final stage of works included reinstatement of the bridge approaches with new gravel surfacing to improve rideability and drainage, together with the installation and welding of the replacement guard rail system.
Completed entirely by Kelly Civil Construction, the project demonstrated the company’s capability to safely deliver complex infrastructure repairs in remote environments, manage specialist subcontractors, and overcome challenging access conditions while restoring critical public infrastructure.
