A concrete bridge with a 140-metre main span and a reduced number of piers is being constructed over the Parramatta River, the first new crossing to be built in four decades.
The new bridge, which will span the waterway between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, is part of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works.
John Holland was contracted by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to deliver the works for the first 1.3 kilometres of new light rail alignment between the greater Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park regions.
Supported by two 90-metre back spans, the design of the bridge’s long-span configuration will significantly reduce the number of concrete piers in the Parramatta River.
This, according to TfNSW, provides improved constructability, enabling more land-based works, lower long-term maintenance, and shorter marine navigational shutdowns during construction.
These features, the NSW Government stated, are possible through an innovative cast in-situ balanced cantilever design, to be delivered by GHD, Tony Gee and Partners, and CM+.
Construction of the bridge is expected to generate around 1000 jobs, with 80% of those based in Western Sydney.
Image source: TfNSW
About the author
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.