Study in green

Flawless paint finishes and precision concrete works are the visible features of the newly constructed pedestrian bridge at the University of Sydney. The Abergeldie Group was contracted to complete the works, which were designed to improve pedestrian links between the recently completed Jane Foss Russell Building and the main campus.

NSW construction manager for Abergeldie, Michael Fitzgerald says the bridge, which crosses six lanes of traffic on busy City Road, has a high visibility for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Consequently, significant emphasis was placed on the architectural design and finish.

"Our team concentrated on ensuring the concrete finishes were well formed with no visible defects, and that the metal works were of a high standard with tight tolerances," he says.

Abergeldie was responsible for the earthworks, structural work, construction and finish of the bridge deck, stairs, ramp and associated metal works.

"One of the main challenges with this project, however, was the need to meet a tight timeline," says Fitzgerald. "The bridge had to be opened in time for the start of the new semester, which meant the construction methodology was accelerated."

Fitzgerald says the team had to deal with the added challenge of working over a major arterial road.

"At times specific lanes were closed to allow work to proceed constructively and safely, and in order for the spans to be lifted into place we had to close City Road for a night."

The Abergeldie Group specialises in the design and construction of complex infrastructure for civil, process and mining works. The company says it operates in a niche market, combining the systems and professionalism of a major contractor with the flexibility of a smaller company.

For more details, contact the Abergeldie Group, phone (02) 8717 7777, fax (02) 8717 7778. Website: www.abergeldie.com.

Story by: Trendsideas