Slag. The by-product that is at the heart of the Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association is being used in a local project to improve traffic congestion in NSW’s Shoalhaven region.

The Nowra Bridge project in NSW that’s been underway since 2020 is one step closer to the finish line after completing another developmental stage. ASA Member, Australian Steel Mill Services (ASMS) is playing a role in the next stage of development, after reporting to have provided a substantial amount of ASMS' RBM800 slag to be used in the bridge approaches in coming months.

- The old bridge

Due to be completed in 2024, this $342 million project aims to amend the renowned traffic jams associated with this area. This will be achieved by transforming the old two-lane bridge into a cycle path/walkway and creating a new multilane bridge that will allow more traffic to flow over the magnificent Shoalhaven River. The new bridge will have four lanes going into Bomaderry and three lanes into Nowra with an additional walkway on the opposite side to the old bridge.

- Animation of the completed project by Transport NSW

The completion of the latest stage in the development process means motorists will soon be able to drive on the new section of Illaroo Road and allow for the widening of nearby roads. State Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said that the project uses many engineering tactics to ensure the project is completed in due course. 

Facts and progress points:

• The construction of this project is supporting over 200 local jobs.
• Each double-T bridge deck segment of the new bridge requires 360 cubic metres of reinforced concrete and up to 60 concrete trucks. 
• Piles were built by vibrating and hammering steel casings through the river bed and into the rock layer deep below the river.
• Excavating and removing river sediment inside the top segment of the pile casings and replacing this with reinforced concrete is continuing.
•  RBM800 slag is intended to be supplied and used in the bridge approaches by ASA Member ASMS. 
• Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag GGBFS could also be provided by ASMS however, this can't be confirmed at this stage. 
• Additional work, including the construction of a new road, building the northern end of the bridge, and the finishing details will begin in the coming months. 

The use of slag in this project is a fantastic achievement for industry, the environment and the Circular Economy. Utilising this highly valuable resource will reduce energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions and the number of raw materials used while delivering the same quality result.

To see updates on the project, click here.