Artist view of the Brunei Temburong Bridge

Brunei Temburong Bridge

HR Wallingford completed detailed hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling studies to understand the impacts of the dredging works for the Brunei Temburong Bridge. We developed a monitoring and management plan to minimise its adverse effects.

Brunei Darussalam occupies two districts, Brunei–Muara and Temburong on either side of Inner Brunei Bay. The Brunei Government plans to construct a road and bridge link between the two districts to support the country’s development. The fast-track nature of the project meant that the project EIA and the writing of tender documents occurred at the same time.

Dredging in environmentally sensitive areas

The bridge construction is likely to require dredging a 120 m wide trench along the route of the bridge to three metres below Chart Datum to allow piling vessel and barge access. Smaller dredged channels will also be needed to access concrete casting yards for the bridge elements. The quantity of dredged material to be removed has been provisionally estimated at 7,000,000 m³. There are numerous protected areas including several forested islands in the vicinity of the bridge crossing and areas of mangrove and peat swamps, especially along the southern side of the inner Brunei Bay. There are also areas of intertidal mudflat. The intertidal mudflats, mangroves and swamp areas attract migratory birds. There is a range of fishing activity within the bay.

We used detailed 3D flow and fine sediment modelling to predict the effects of the bridge construction.

Modelling to support the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

We used a suite of 3D area numerical models to characterise the hydrodynamic and sediment transport regimes of the study area, including all of Brunei Bay and nearby areas of the South China Sea and demonstrate the potential for the bridge construction to have adverse effects. Our findings were used to develop a dredging and disposal mitigation and monitoring plan to track any impacts of the works and hence manage the proposed dredging works to minimise any impacts. This plan was documented within the Dredging and Disposal Management Plan.

Dredging and Disposal Management Plan (DDMP)

The fast-track nature of the project meant, in parallel to the EIA, documents for the tendering process also had to be prepared. HR Wallingford wrote the Dredging and Disposal Management Plan (DDMP) which described the responsibility on the contractor to ensure the execution of the marine dredging and disposal works in an environmentally responsible manner including complying with all relevant permits and licences. Measures were specified within the DDMP to:

  • minimise the impacts of dredging and disposal on water quality;
  • minimise damage of adjacent mangrove and sub-tidal habitats either directly or by sedimentation;
  • avoid impacts upon marine fauna;
  • prevent the introduction of alien species;
  • minimise interference with fishing activity.

Minimising impacts on a sensitive environment

The fast track approach to the EIA and tendering process was considered a success in hastening the construction of this important infrastructure project whilst minimising any impacts on the sensitive environment in which it was to be built.

 

Project in images

Artist view of the bridge that will link both sides of Inner Brunei Bay.

Site visit in the mangroves, a very sensitive environment. 

We used a suite of 3D area numerical models to study all of Brunei Bay and nearby areas of the South China Sea.

Want to know more?

John Baugh
Principal Scientist
+44 (0)1491 822899
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