The works comprise the demolition and removal of the Old Bridgewater Bridge superstructure and associated elements, following commissioning of the new bridge. The works are limited to the elevated portions of the bridge, with no removal below mudline and specific heritage and rail assets retained in situ.
The project requires signification development and implementation of demolition methodology, temporary works, environmental controls and safety systems.
Scope of works included:
General works
Demolition Works
Temporary Works;
Permanent works;
Utility service works;
Remedial works;
Commissioning;
Project has a number of Special Features such as:
Complex Project Management:
Project management had to align Commonwealth, state, and local approval pathways, including EPBC referral considerations, Major Project Permit conditions, marine and navigation approvals, and heritage requirements. These approvals directly influenced demolition methodology, environmental controls, and timing, requiring close coordination to ensure works could proceed without regulatory hold points or re‑work.
Demolition staging was tightly sequenced to progressively remove the lift span and approach spans while maintaining safe marine navigation, rail operations, road access, and interfaces with the adjacent new Bridgewater Bridge works. This required detailed program logic, early removal of critical constraints (such as the lift span), and continual re‑coordination of works as access, exclusions, and possessions changed.
The project demanded proactive engagement with transport agencies, marine authorities, regulators, local councils, rail operators, emergency services, and the community. Stakeholder management was particularly complex due to the visibility of the works, sensitivity around heritage and environmental impacts, and the need to clearly communicate changing conditions such as closures, exclusion zones, noise events, and milestone demolition activities.
Traffic Control:
Traffic management was complex due to the need to maintain road access in a narrow corridor shared with rail operations, marine access, and the adjacent new Bridgewater Bridge works. This was successfully managed through early planning, stable long‑term traffic arrangements, and demolition staging that avoided lane closures on the Midland Highway while accommodating changing site access and construction movements.
Service Relocations:
Service relocations were complex due to the presence of live electrical, communications, rail‑related, and monitoring services integrated into an ageing bridge structure and adjacent infrastructure. This was managed through early service investigations, detailed mapping, and close coordination with service authorities to confirm ownership, isolation requirements, and sequencing before demolition activities commenced.
