19 September 2011
Member for Mornington, Mr David Morris MP today inspected the works on the Mornington Pier following a $3.65 million upgrade ahead of its reopening in early October.
Mr Morris said that re-building the middle section of the pier in such an exposed location had been a major feat of engineering and construction for Parks Victoria and its contactors with 70 steel piles replacing the degraded timber piles and a new reinforced concrete deck.
“The new middle section has been built to withstand storms and large waves notorious at Snapper Point and is designed to last for at least 50 years.”
“Construction was further complicated by the need to drive the new steel piles into existing rocks beneath the pier requiring heavy pile driving machinery.”
Mr Morris said the past 12 months have been a difficult time for construction with wild weather and storms delaying many projects across the state.
Mr Morris said the outer section had deteriorated faster than expected with engineering advice now confirming it needs to remain closed for public safety reasons.
“The Mornington Pier upgrade has been a complex project that has been planned in stages. Parks Victoria is planning the future stages of the pier redevelopment, which includes replacing the outer section.”
Future works also allow for the installation of wave screens on the newly constructed middle section of the pier.
Mr Morris thanked the boating community, anglers and visitors to the area for their patience.
“Mornington Pier is a much loved recreational asset popular with anglers, site seers and recreational boat operators. I am delighted to have the opportunity to oversee its reopening in time for the warmer spring and summer months.”
Printer Friendly Version...
There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.