The collaborative effort between Brady Marine & Civil Pty Ltd and Georgiou Group Pty Ltd (GBJV) saw the realization of the Breakfast Creek Bridge. Commissioned by the Brisbane City Council, this project aimed to fortify pedestrian and cycling links across the river while bolstering transport connections between the inner city and its burgeoning northern suburbs.
At the heart of this project lay a monumental challenge: the installation of a 300-tonne, 80-meter-long structure. Fabricated offsite at the Port of Brisbane, the bridge’s transportation and installation posed intricate logistical hurdles. The objective was clear – to ensure the stability of the structure during transportation, minimal disruption to marine traffic, adherence to tight schedules, and stringent safety and environmental standards.
Mammoet, renowned for its expertise in bridge installation projects globally, stepped up to the challenge. Drawing from their extensive experience, including projects like the Matagarup Bridge in Perth and the Danube Bridge in Linz, Austria, Mammoet embarked on meticulous planning.
The journey began with comprehensive feasibility studies to devise a tailored solution aligned with the project’s unique requirements. Every detail, from the bridge’s weight and dimensions to environmental considerations, was meticulously analyzed. Mammoet’s expertise played a pivotal role in charting the optimal route, managing the Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) operation, and overseeing the installation process, effectively mitigating risks throughout.
The project unfolded in a carefully orchestrated sequence of phases. Mobilization and equipment setup at the Port of Brisbane marked the commencement, with the structure raised to a suitable transport height using climbing jacks and placed onto a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) configuration.
Safely secured on 32 axle lines of SPMT, the structure was transferred onto a barge via a RORO operation for marine transport upriver to Breakfast Creek. Upon arrival, the load was carefully lowered onto pre-set temporary supports, leveraging the SPMT’s maneuverability to ensure seamless positioning.
With meticulous precision, the bridge was lowered onto a tailor-made alignment frame, ensuring precise positioning onto its bearings. Throughout all phases, safety and compliance remained paramount, guaranteeing stability amidst fluctuating tides.
The result? A flawless installation, completed on time with minimal disruption to marine and road traffic. Inaugurated as the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge, it stands as a vital link in Brisbane’s infrastructure, enhancing commuting and leisure opportunities along the riverbanks. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, this bridge will play a pivotal role, providing a key active transport connection to the athletes’ village at Northshore Hamilton.