An unusual method of pouring concrete has been used for the deck of Australia’s first extradosed bridge in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Main Roads WA revealed that some of the concrete pours for the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge were carried out using a method where a 36-metre concrete boom truck (weighing around 24 tonnes) was lifted onto the bridge deck to place the concrete. This method is not usually used in Australia, the government department said, particularly on bridges.
The Fremantle Bridges Alliance, a consortium comprising Concrete Institute Silver members Arup and WSP, along with Laing O’Rourke have designed and are delivering Australia’s first extradosed bridge. Arup stated: “The innovative design combines balanced cantilever precast segmental construction with cable supports.”
The new bridge, with its two lanes in each direction and shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists, is replacing an old timber bridge whose underwater piles and structure have been removed from the Swan River. Cranes on both sides of the bridge are expected to be demobilised in August.
“Despite a challenging construction environment, demolition of the old bridge is now complete, and construction of the new bridge continues to make strong progress,” Main Roads WA stated.
Parapet installation is progressing, with 185 of 192 units now in place and all four bridge towers visible, with scaffolding fully removed. Barriers to separate the road and shared paths are currently being installed prior to road surface works.
Terraced retaining walls on the south‑eastern side of the bridge are almost 80% complete, and staircase construction is underway.
Image: WA Government.
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. Her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com