Residents and construction staff alike were astounded by the sight of a 180-metre bridge being driven into place during this innovative motorway delivery.

Two self-propelled, 3000-tonne bridges were just a few of the numerous innovations that ensured success for all stakeholders, including road users on some of Adelaide’s busiest roads, during the Darlington Upgrade Project.

The project area included several of Adelaide’s busiest sections of road.

To ensure little to no traffic disruption, an innovative and collaborative approach to traffic management was adapted through an iterative design and constructability review process.

Traffic operating requirements were developed based on our wealth of past project experience. These requirements set the framework within which the design and construction teams operated, leading to innovative solutions.

Off-site bridge construction

In an Australian-first for a civil construction project, one that attracted the attention of Guinness World Records, two 3,000-tonne bridges were constructed off-site and moved into position.

The 180m-long bridges, built nearby on open land, were manoeuvred into place by self-propelled modular transporters.

So successful was the delivery of the bridges that roads reopened almost 24 hours ahead of schedule. From start to finish, the move took 37 hours. The bridge installation animation can be watched HERE.

The result

Road alignment was optimised to avoid culturally and historically significant areas and to protect mature trees. Alternative pavement and earthworks designs ensured a more sustainable outcome, including a landscape plan that provides habitat linkages and increased quality of vegetation.

The project was delivered early, with 19 weeks saved through an innovative and integrated, staged construction solution.