Bridges

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) is undertaking major refurbishment works on the Old Murray Bridge. Old Murray Bridge was constructed over the Murray River in 1879, and is located on Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, immediately east of the town centre.

As the first major bridge spanning the Murray River in South Australia, Old Murray Bridge is a significant State Heritage structure, and requires major refurbishment to maintain its long-term structural integrity. This South Australian government funded project will increase the bridge's life span by an estimated 30 years.

Jacobs was engaged to conduct a structural assessment to verify the existing entire bridge structure integrity, investigate strengthening options, and produce detailed designs for pier replacement.

This paper focusses on the design of structural strengthening and temporary supports for the removal of the existing Pier 26, the new reinforced concrete (RC) pier columns, modification of the previous concrete pile cap, and refined bearings to cater for future soil movement. The refurbishment works are being undertaken under traffic loading (with traffic management). This paper will outline the innovative design methods and challenges faced in both design and construction stages.