Project profile.

Brief:

Fabricated steel plate girder rail bridge with timber transoms on new concrete beam and old pier.

Contractor: VEC Civil Engineering / Haywards

The Kimberley Rail bridge was originally built in the late 1800s and one span and one abutment was washed away in the June 2016 floods. Rare undertook the concept design, documentation and proof checking of the replacement span and abutment. The rail bridge was back in service within 9 weeks of the flooding. The new girder was designed to look similar to the existing spans for heritage reasons.

challenges:

The 2016 flood washed away part of the bridge and a section of embankment closing the rail line. This had a significant impact on TasRails operations. A rapid replacement solution was required. Availability of resources was difficult as the flooding was state-wide with impacts across every transport sector.

the rare innovation:

Engineering Edge (now Rare) worked closely with Contractors VEC and Haywards to fast track the design, procurement and installation of the replacement abutment and steel span.

key benefits:

The award-winning project enabled the train line to be opened up 9 weeks after the flood. A collaborative approach by all parties involved enabled this enormously fast-tracked remedial works project to achieve the key benefit of returning the rail back in to operation in such a short time frame.