Darwin Region - Melville Island - Detailed Design for the Upgrade of Paru Road Creek Crossing and Various Locations

The existing Paru Creek crossing is located approximately 8.17 km south from the Three Ways intersection, Melville Island. It is a 12m single span single lane bridge that is reaching the end of its life. Currently, the Tiwi Islands Regional Council has implemented a temporary measure to ensure that the bridge remains trafficable as Pam Road serves as the main road to the barge landing. The short term measure is a 20mm thick steel plate placed across the deteriorating deck. The bridge is also located on a sharp bend that limits sight distance for travellers. The upgrade of the creek crossing is broken up into separate components:
1. Improve the road alignment (completed)
A contract CD2133/19 with Walbridge and Gilbert Aztec provided 3 road re-alignment options to remove the bend and improve the safety along this section of road. On 27 February 2020 the Tiwi Land Council confirmed from the Mantiyupwi Land Owners the preferred road re-alignment.
2. Develop concept options for the creek crossing (completed)
Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd was engaged in November 2020 under Contract CD2044/21 to undertake survey, geotechnical investigations and develop three concept options for the Paru Creek crossing. The options included a bridge, RCBC major crossing and RCP major crossing. On 3 December 2021, TIRC confirmed their decision to proceed with the bridge option.
3. Develop detailed design of the selected creek crossing option (this procurement)
This procurement is for the re-engagement of Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd to continue the concept design to detailed stage for construction commencement in 2022.
The scope also includes the following:
• Road re-alignment between approximately CH 9500m to CH 11300m
• Paru Road intersection re-design
• Upgrade of the barge hard stand area