Bridges

Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) is leading a transformative initiative to transition the freight industry to zero-emission heavy vehicles (ZEHVs) as part of the Towards Net Zero Emissions – Freight Policy. Recognising the additional mass and size requirements of ZEHVs, TfNSW is facilitating their integration into the NSW state road network through a two-year trial. This trial is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the freight industry and improving community air quality.

This paper explores the benefits of transitioning to ZEHVs and details the bridge assessments conducted by TfNSW to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these vehicles across NSW’s extensive bridge network. Given the increased weight of ZEHVs, not all routes and bridges are suitable, necessitating thorough evaluations of all the bridges in the network for the ZEHVs.

TfNSW is responsible for managing over 6,000 bridges. The bridge stock in NSW is the largest in Australia, comprising some of the oldest historical bridges made of various materials and structural types. Notably, approximately 600 TfNSW bridges were built before 1948 with design loading much less than proposed ZEHVs. The biggest challenge from sustainability perspective to allow ZEHVs over these bridges without load limit or strengthening works t and to minimise any potential risk from overloading and non-compliance vehicles.

The two-year trial initiated by TfNSW will provide data to inform ongoing access and management of the network for ZEHVs. By enabling broad access, the trial supports the industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles, marking a significant step towards a sustainable freight sector in NSW. The insights gained from this trial will be instrumental in shaping future policies and strategies for the integration of ZEHVs in NSW and beyond.