Construction has officially commenced on a landmark $40 million bridge in the Sydney suburb North Ryde, which will provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel between Lachlan’s Line, the North Ryde Railway Station and jobs in Macquarie Park.
Landcom Chief Executive Officer, John Brogden, said the 160-metre-long bridge is one of the first of its kind in the world due to its complex 32mm flat plate steel construction, which twists and contorts to achieve the desired form.
“The complex design will require innovative fabrication and construction methods, marking a new approach to advanced steel manufacturing in this country, and the steel used to create the bridge will be sourced and manufactured in Australia,” he commented.
A design and construct contract were awarded to a joint venture between Arenco (NSW) and the Daracon Group at Beresfield, NSW, with Western Sydney-based steel fabricator S&L Steel, who are sub-contracted for the fabrication of the structure. Bridge architect KI Studio and structural engineering firm Arup designed the elegant and bold structure.
According to KI Studio, a key inspiration for the bridge was to create an inspiring sculpture in the landscape that bridge users experience, whilst providing a unique landmark that cements the identity of the Lachlan’s Line precinct.
The design’s combination of form, texture, space, colour, motion and greening attempts to create an introverted experience for the users, as if walking ‘through’ a sculpture, making the journey more engaging and unique, whilst delivering a memorable landmark for North Ryde.
Mr Brogden further commented that sections are now being fabricated off-site and on-site construction will start with the bridge supports later this year. The bridge spans are also expected to be installed in late 2019.
More information on the project can be found here.