Structural and geotechnical design
In order to overcome the challenges faced by the Melbourne City Council, SMEC assisted in managing the brownfield by enhancing the surrounding streetscape, with the inclusion of tall native trees being planted. SMEC incorporated the structural and geotechnical design of the new pedestrian bridge to improve safety measures for on-foot and cyclists’ daily commute, as a way of dealing with heavy loads of traffic passing through.
Newly designed and constructed pedestrian bridge
SMEC has had a positive impact when working on the West Gate Distributor – Shepherds Bridge as SMEC’s specialist team of engineers designed and built a new pedestrian bridge, linking Melbourne’s CBD to the Western Suburbs.
SMEC had a significant impact on the Shepherds Bridge construction as the project outcomes entailed the widening of the existing Shepherds Bridge crossing the Maribyrnong River from four to six lanes, the construction of a new 190 m long bridge dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, the conversion of Moreland Street into a four-lane divided road and enhancing the natural environment to improve the commuter experience. SMEC’s specific scope of work included:
- Design of strengthening works on the existing road bridge
- Structural and geotechnical design of the new pedestrian bridge
- Design of road, civil, and drainage works
- Geotechnical engineering services
- Landscape design to deliver enhanced streetscape and road reserves
Each of the considered features of the project worked in cohesion to form beneficial outcomes such as improved travel for local traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists and better access to and from the Port of Melbourne.