A 750-tonne crane has dismantled and replaced a 42-metre steel truss bridge as part of the $240 million Grafton bridge project.
The project involves building a 525-metre-long bridge 70 metres downstream from the existing road and rail bridge.
It aims to upgrade parts of the road network in Grafton and South Graften, New South Wales. The new bridge will consist of two lanes but has been designed to increase to four when traffic levels require it.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure Chris Gulaptis said the project team worked for 72 hours straight to complete the job ahead of the first train crossing the new bridge at 1:30 in the morning.
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“The demolition of the old bridge started at 2am on Saturday and continued until night, when preparation began for the installation of the new structure,” Gulaptis said.
“The trusses for this bridge were already in Grafton awaiting installation after being transported up the coast from Sydney in March.
“The trusses were lifted into place by a 750-tonne crane which required its own concrete pad to be poured before it was assembled over five days.”
Gulaptis congratulated the project team for the hard work and long hours required to put the new bridge together.
“These are exciting times for Grafton and I have no doubt that when the bridge opens to traffic later this year, it will significantly ease traffic congestion,” Gulaptis said.