REACHING THE GOAL
11 May 2016
GR Design & Construct helped soccer enthusiasts from the Whittlesea area reach their goal with a much needed truss bridge that provided better access to the sports fields at Hillsview Reserve.
Hillsview Reserve in the Whittlesea City Council area is renowned for its sporting fields. Set over an area of 3.1 hectares, the reserve includes a FIFA 1-Star rated soccer pitch, synthetic surface playing field, soccer goals, pitch fencing and coaches’ boxes. Everything a sports enthusiast needs for a good game!
While a popular community facility, due to a significant increase in development in the Whittlesea shire a move to provide additional pedestrian access to the reserve was required. An additional footbridge would mean the community could safely access the reserve from both sides without having to use the busy road.
To provide better access GR Design and Construct (GRDC) was called in to fabricate and erect a new pedestrian bridge that would span the inaccessible side of the reserve and provide safe passage for players in all kinds of weather. The new truss bridge extends for 30m with a width of 2.5m, easily spanning the required distance and at a height that ensures even heavy flooding will not cause an access issue.
Fabricated in three separate sections, the trusses were assembled in the GRDC yard in Port Melbourne then transported to the reserve by extendable crane trucks. On site the three sections were joined and then lifted into place by a 100 tonne crane and secured. The design of the bridge enabled GRDC to site it above the Q100 flood level, in accordance with standard Melbourne Water requirements.
Specifications for the project included:
- Hot dipped galvanised steel trusses
- Hot dipped galvanised bearers and joists
- Steel infill panels to Australian Standards
- PRF min-mesh decking
- Concrete abutments
- Rock beaching to Melbourne Water requirements
- Assembly and crane use for bridge placement
- Design and engineering certification
The dedicated yard in Port Melbourne allows GRDC to prefabricate a great deal off site. This reduces onsite risk, maximises quality in a controlled environment, and reduces costs. To find out more about GR Design & Construct’s fabrication services visit www.grdesignandconstruct.com.au
