Blythe River rail bridge replacement

13/07/2021

Innovative planning systems and a complete realignment of the existing structure were needed to replace the Blythe River rail bridge for client TasRail.

The Blythe River Rail Bridge was first constructed in 1968. Prolonged proximity to Bass Strait, with its wild salt laden winds, meant the structure needed replacement. 

VEC’s analysis led to a recommendation for the complete realignment of the existing structure on a new southern alignment. The benefits being better alignment, increased load capacity, reduction in bridge length (by about 30m) and certainty of outcome.  

A number of factors brought about a successful outcome to this project. One the use of the VEC Planning System. Another was the modular falsework system our teams used, which allowed for speedy construction, with flexibilities in design to account for site conditions. The overall construction period was reduced by using precast ballast retainers as part of the deck formwork for pouring of the deck. And VEC’s demolition process allowed for the safety most efficient demolition of the redundant structure.  

Construction of the Blythe River Rail Bridge finished in April 2014.

The work was part of a larger project, the four North West River Rail Replacements.