Railway underbridges play a very important role in transporting everyday commuters to where they need to go. They form an integral part of a railway systems corridor acting as a bridge to pass over whilst also allowing for passenger vehicle traffic to travel under. At Sydney’s Salt Pan Creek waterway, the existing underbridge at Riverwood on the East Hills Railway Line (Sydney NSW) required replacement as it was nearing its end of useful life as determined by the client, Sydney Trains.

The clients project specifications were relatively straight forward – remove the old beams, transport them to a predefined location and then install the new. However as with most projects, the work involved in achieving the client’s objectives is extremely complex involving significant planning and sound execution. The project breakdown saw Tutt Bryant remove the four 29 tonne spans, each span consisted of two deep riveted beams joined by cross girders. These would then be lifted onto a work train and taken to Chullora rail yard for recycling by Sydney Trains. The 42 new precast deck units were then loaded onto the work train, brought to the site and installed by Tutt Bryant.

The project was completed within the expected timeframes and budget. During the 48hr possession, Tutt Bryant experienced unexpected difficulties with strong winds, affecting the ability to perform certain lifts. However, the project team took the initiative to facilitate these lifts as quickly as possible, and managed to recover for lost time. Sydney Trains were extremely pleased with the project’s success. The project was shortlisted in the finals of the CICA Lift of the Year Awards.