Construction of Stringybark Creek Bridge

 
 
 

Principal Contractor: Western Earthmoving Pty Ltd

Client: Lend Lease Pty Ltd

Contract Type: Subcontract Purchase Order

Approximate Value: $3 million

Completion Date: March 2020

 
 
 

Details: Stringybark Creek Bridge is the connecting over-water road and pedestrian structure between Greenbank Drive and the Bingara Gorge Estate in Wilton NSW. The bridge is 54m long and over 12m high at mid-length. The structure allows 1-lane 2-way traffic with separate footpath and cycleway for pedestrians and cyclists at down-stream and up-stream deck edges. The bridge is of B3 to B4 technical complexity, grade-4 high-risk work, with significant environmental protection requirements.

 
 

Technical Considerations:

  • Works alongside High-Pressure Gas Mains

  • Works at +9m Heights

  • Class-C Formwork

  • Redesign Foundations and Substructure

  • Environmental Strategy in Construction

  • Complex Movement Joints

  • Complex Sliding Bearing Arrangements

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Running parallel to the APA twin high-pressure gas mains and elevated to over 12m above the environmentally sensitive creek below, this project exemplified the professionalism required to both re-design portions of the foundations and substructure whilst continuing works forward to meet client expectations. One of the significant challenges that were overcome during the construction phase was the method to which the proposed design needed to be altered to not require excessive excavation of the creek embankment. This process required rethinking the rock anchor approach to foundations and substitute with bored piles and the raising of the pile cap soffit to ensure minimal disturbance to the natural ground levels.

 
 

Methodologically this project was executed to provide as much ease of access to onsite work crews, maintaining strict safety standards in the design of formwork. Due to the nature of working adjacent to high-pressure gas mains, it was necessary to have multiple entrances and exit paths from all work areas. This was managed with the support of the principal contractor (Western Earthmoving) and the client (Lend Lease). The end product is a bridge that met Bridgeworks’ expectations with forethought to pre-construction, and diligence by onsite work crews during the construction phase.