A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesperson said the barge would be used to assist specialist crews investigate the Clyde River’s geotechnical conditions.

“The 96 square metre barge will travel by sea down the South Coast this week, arriving in the Clyde River on Sunday, weather permitting” the spokesperson said.

“On Monday, it will be docked at the southern boat ramp next to the bridge for about 30 minutes where a drill rig will be loaded onto the barge for investigation work to start.”

The spokesperson said the work will involve drilling small holes into the riverbed to collect material samples and pushing a steel cone into the riverbed to assess the firmness of the material.

“The barge will be stationary at several different locations across the river where piles of the new bridge will be,” the spokesperson said.

The barge is expected to remain in the area for about four weeks while the work is carried out.

For the safety of workers and other vessels, the barge will be surrounded by navigation safety buoys and signage at all times.