Sadliers Crossing Bridge Upgrade

Project Scope

As part of Queensland Rail’s ongoing upgrade of its aging infrastructure, and considering the poor condition of the existing timber bridge at Sadliers Crossing, Doval was contracted to replace both approach spans of the bridge, totalling approximately 90m in length. The existing approach spans comprised of both timber and steel spans. The design approval required the existing heritage listed piers to be altered to accommodate the new steel superstructure. Due to the age of the approach spans, Queensland Rail imposed a speed limit on the track. The upgrade will allow the removal of this speed restriction.

The construction works comprised all track-work, the installation of six micro-piled cast in-situ bridge piers, one 70t precast headstock (supported on two 1200mm diameter bored piles), the replacement of the existing bridge decks with eighteen new steel bridge decks, which were fabricated and assembled off site, and the installation of new walkways across the entire bridge. The construction of the new approach spans was to coincide with a 72hour shut down wherein the existing bridge was removed and the new steel superstructure installed and rail replaced ready for use prior to the termination of the shutdown.

Being a live operating railway, all construction works prior to the 72hour closure were to be undertaken whilst the line was kept operational, including the live HV overhead electrical. Close liaison with QR was therefore required throughout these high-risk works with numerous internal and external safety audits conducted to maintain a high level of safety throughout the project.

The sewer line alignment was in close proximity to several roads and private property boundaries, hence the need for comprehensive traffic management plans and engagement with local property and business owners. Weekly reports were submitted to keep the Client abreast of affairs and fortnightly meetings provided further feedback.

Prior to the 72 hour closure Doval was required to submit a highly detailed ‘closure management plan’, which included an hour by hour schedule, aligned with the main QR shut down schedule, identifying the interdependencies and interface between both QR and the construction works happening on stations and tracks adjacent to the Sadliers Crossing bridge.

All works during the 72hr shutdown were completed by threading the new and old bridge decks through the overhead electrics, which were temporarily de-energised.

This project added to Doval’s impressive resume of successful rail and bridge related projects.

Key Staff

Brett Marais – Contracts Manager

Jesse Horton – Project Manager

Paul McCann – Site Supervisor

Achievements

Working within a live rail corridor

Maintaining all vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the site

Construction of micro-piles within a 3m clearance below the existing bridge

Boring of 1200 diameter piles 300mm away from OHE

Planning and co-ordinating the works prior to the closure and the lack of flexibility in relation to dates

Planning and executing the works during the 72hour shut down

• Project:

  Sadliers Crossing Bridge Upgrade

• Location:

  Ipswich, Qld

• Client:

  Queensland Rail

• Practical Completion:

  June 2016

• Contract Period:

  53 Weeks

• Contract Value:

  $6.1 Million