Nowra Bridge project works
Where
When
The works
Vessel operators are advised that due to works associated with the construction of a new bridge, an exclusion zone and vessel operating restrictions are in effect on the Shoalhaven River in the vicinity of the Princes Highway bridges, Nowra.
The restriction
The Exclusion Zone (‘the Zone’) comprises the entire width of the Shoalhaven River and for a distance of approximately 200 metres upstream and 30 metres downstream of the current Princes Highway bridges, Nowra, on the dates detailed above.
The Zone will be enacted as required by the construction works and marked by the presence of local buoyage and signage, and patrolled by authorised officers and control vessels.
A navigation channel has been established within the Zone to provide for the passage of vessels through the Zone and to either side of the bridges. The channel may be adjusted within the Zone over time to accommodate the bridge works.
Vessel operators are further advised:
- divers may be in the water during the works and vessels associated with the diving operations will be displaying an Alpha Flag, which is a white beside blue flag with the blue section featuring a swallow tail.
- spans of the bridge affected by construction work that are closed to navigation will be marked by channel blocked markers, or buoyage. A closed (blocked) channel will be marked during daylight hours by a series of three shapes in a vertical line comprising ball–triangle–ball, and during the night or at times of restricted visibility by a series of three lights in a vertical line comprising red–green–red.
- Vessels engaged in the bridge works may display Restricted In Ability to Manoueuvre shapes and lights indicated during the day by three shapes in a vertical line comprising ball–diamond–ball, and during the night or at times of restricted visibility by a series of three lights in a vertical line comprising red–white–red.
- Vessels engaged in bridge works that require a stable or calm state may display an ‘R’ over ‘Y flag (Romeo Yankee) which indicates all other vessel traffic must proceed at a slow speed that creates no wash when passing. An ‘R’ flag is indicated by a yellow cross (vertical and horizontal lines) on a red background, and a ‘Y’ flag is indicated by alternating red and yellow diagonal lines.
A maximum speed of 4 knots applies to all vessels under power navigating within the zone, and operators are to minimise their wash.
All vessel operators and persons using the waters specified above should keep a proper lookout, comply with local buoyage and signage, and exercise extreme caution when navigating near the works.
Directions
Transport for NSW advises:
- Persons within the vicinity of the Site must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the Construction Works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
- Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation 2016 – clause 11(2) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00).
- Vessels are required to comply with all signage and buoyage. Failure to compy is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.11(4) – Maximum Penalty $5,500 in relation to wash and $1,100 for any other case).
- Vessels and persons are required to remain beyond 30 metres of the site. Failure to comply is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation 2016, cl.30(1) – Maximum Penalty $5,500.00).
Maps and charts affected
To see the area affected, refer to:
- Transport for NSW Boating Map – 11A.
Contact Transport for NSW information line
For further information concerning this navigation advice, please contact the Transport for NSW information line on:
Phone: 13 12 36
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday - Sunday
8:30am - 4:30pm