THE BRIDGE
Commencement of Works
In 1966, borings were carried out by George Wilmot & Company Limited, and further information was obtained about the sub-soil and foundations for the proposed crossing. In February 1966, Maunsell suggested that because of their own limited experience with major bridges of structural steel there should be called in as consultants, an English firm of consulting and civil engineers of world reputation - Messrs. Freeman, Fox and Partners.
In February 1967 "Preliminary Information to Tenderers" had been published by the Authority, inviting prospective tenderers to submit applications for qualification as registered tenderers, supported by information and particulars establishing their capacity and experience.
When the tender documents were issued, only the registered tenderers in respect of each contract were invited to tender.
The tender documents for -
- Contract F - Bridge Foundations;
- Contract C - Concrete Bridge Works;
- Contract S - Steel Bridge Works;
Were ultimately issued to registered tenderers in October 1967.
Contract S was awarded to World Services and Construction Pty Ltd. Contracts C and F were awarded to John Holland (Constructions) Pty Ltd., a Melbourne based company much experienced in concrete work.
All of the contracts were (later) formally signed in July, 1968.
From April, 1968, works under Contract F, proceeded satisfactorily and practical completion was reached on 25th September, 1969 .
Contract C also proceeded satisfactorily, despite some early loss of time and prior to the occurrence on 15th October, 1970 , was expected to reach practical completion in late March, 1971.
In relation to Contract S, the specifications for the quality of the steel to be used and tests to be carried out, thereon, were worked out by WSC in conjunction with the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited, and approved by the joint consultants.
WSC's first steel purchase order was finally submitted to BHP on 16th August, 1968 .
When the work of construction commenced in April, 1968, it was hoped that the bridge would be finished by the end of December, 1970. In February 1970, the Authority gave notice to WSC, under the terms of Contract S, which required the company to show cause why certain clauses of the contract should not be enforced against it.
A settlement was reached, in which it was agreed, that WSC should continue to fabricate the boxes and carry out the work of sub-assembly of them, but that completed boxes would be handed over to John Holland (Constructions), who would be responsible for all further operations involved in erecting the boxes and completing the construction of the steel portion of the bridge, including all concrete work and block top for the roadway.
