The Medlow Bath Station & Pedestrian Bridge project is part of the Great Western Highway Upgrade Program, which aims to widen the existing roadway from two lanes to four lanes between Katoomba and Lithgow. The upgrade provides safe, accessible pedestrian access to Medlow Bath Station across the highway and rail corridor
Previous concepts for the Medlow Bath Pedestrian Bridge had been rejected by local community stakeholders and formally by NSW Heritage, on the basis that they did not appropriately respond to the significant heritage values of the Blue Mountains setting, local precinct and character of place, a historically significant health and leisure destination anchored by the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel.
Arenco was engaged to develop three new concept design options, each offering a more appropriate heritage-focused design aesthetic. These options were formally presented to NSW Heritage, Transport for NSW and local community representative groups, and reviewed through a multi-criteria assessment process to arrive at a single preferred concept for advancement through detailed design.
Works included the design and construction of a new 105 linear metre seamless curved steel pedestrian bridge, spanning from a circular lift shaft over the Great Western Highway, with a connecting ramp and footpath leading to an upgraded Medlow Bath Station entry. Additional works included a new lift to the station platform, platform extension and stairs, upgrade of station services, platform resurfacing, kiss-and-ride interchange, and a new compliant footpath along Railway Parade.
Arenco successfully collaborated with NSW Heritage, Transport for NSW, Blue Mountains City Council, Aboriginal groups and the local community to produce a design vastly superior to the original concept, earning significant praise from all stakeholders.
The bridge is a complex curved structural steel structure, cantilevering over the live Great Western Highway from a circular lift shaft on one side, over a single support pier, and down to a ramp abutment on the other. Delivery required extensive coordination with Transport for NSW, Bridge Branch and regional road management authorities.
