Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Matching concrete segments deck out new Gateway Bridge

Two matching concrete segments, each weighing 80 tonnes, were lifted in place today to form the first pieces of the deck for the new Gateway Bridge.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt was on site this morning to see the bridge taking shape.

Mr Pitt said the works marked the start of a busy period of construction on the $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project.

“Motorists will begin to get a sense of how quickly this critical infrastructure is coming together as the 750m northern approach forms alongside the existing Gateway Bridge,” Mr Pitt said.

“It takes just 20 minutes to lift each segment, which is matched to the other, held up by stressed cables and bonded using an epoxy resin to form the span.

“On average, 16 segments will be lifted each week until the approach spans are completed.”

In total, 742 match-cast segments will make the approach spans for the second Gateway Bridge.

Construction of the northern approach will take 10 months, when construction on the southern approach will begin. At the same time, the new bridge’s main spans will branch out from piers in the Brisbane River to meet the approaches.

Queensland Motorways CEO Phil Mumford said Queensland Motorways had been working closely with the State Government to ensure the project is delivered as quickly as possible.

“The match-casting methodology adopted by Queensland Motorways for these approach spans will result in the saving of $3 million and three months for the project,” Mr Mumford said.

With the match-casting methodology, each new section is formed from the section made before it, providing a perfect match between each piece.

“This brought forward the opening of the second bridge to mid 2010, followed by completion of refurbishment of the existing bridge by early 2011.”

The largest bridge and road project in Queensland’s history includes a second Gateway Bridge, 7km of new motorway north to Nudgee Road through airport land, and 12km of upgrades south to Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road.

A Queensland Government initiative, the Gateway Upgrade Project is being delivered by Queensland Motorways with design, construction and maintenance by the Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture.

Mr Pitt said the Gateway Upgrade Project was a great example of the Queensland Government getting on with the job of delivering vital infrastructure for the growing state.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819

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