The Southern Sydney Freight Line (SSFL) project comprised the construction of a dedicated rail track between Birrong and Macarthur for the specific use of freight trains. Due to the coincidental expansion of Liverpool Hospital it became necessary to construct a pedestrian bridge and a road bridge over the SSFL to maintain access to the medical campus. These bridges formed the Liverpool Hospital Bridges project.
Arenco was engaged as Principal Contractor for the works on a construct only basis. However, due to considerable prior experience, Arenco were actively involved in the design development of both bridges. Arenco’s work area was within both the hospital and live rail precinct so were required to liaise regularly with both sets of stakeholders.
The pedestrian bridge is a 46m long structural steel truss bridge with architectural finishes that link the hospital extension with a six-storey car park. An elevator was installed at one end of the bridge within a multi storey concrete supporting structure.
The road bridge is a 220m long multi spanned bridge with bored piles, in-situ concrete substructure, prestressed precast concrete Super-T girders, in-situ concrete deck and parapets with structural steel barriers. Each end of the bridge has reinforced earth retaining walled approach ramps.
Arenco’s involvement in the design process was crucial, particularly with conflicting services that Arenco investigated and were able to recommend solutions to avert program delays.
The bridge installations were successfully undertaken during weekend rail closures due to comprehensive pre-planning, including contingency plans.
