#NEWS: Vastly different bridges on the east and west coasts will replace ageing timber-framed bridges built around the same time which will improve journeys for drivers and pedestrians.
Construction of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge in 1939 provided for a lifespan of 60 years which was surpassed by a further 27 years before being closed last weekend.
The replacement bridge has been constructed to the west of the original structure by the Fremantle Bridges Alliance of Arup, Laing O’Rourke and WSP.
The innovative new bridge design will be Australia’s only extradosed bridge, combining balanced cantilever precast segmental construction with cable supports.
“The precast segmental design means the bridge is designed to be built in short sections which are precast offsite, which allows for greater quality control and safer construction works,” Arup stated.
The new $430 million Fremantle Traffic Bridge is expected to be open in February 2027.
On the other side of the continent in Gippsland, Victoria, the 1947-built timber Rainbow Creek Bridge will be replaced with a reinforced concrete bridge on a new alignment.
Construction of the new bridge, like that in Fremantle, has commenced west of the original structure, allowing the current crossing to remain open during construction.
The $11.25 million project is expected to be completed later this year at which time the original bridge will be removed.
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Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com