Inland Rail has demolished the Edmondson Street bridge in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, marking another major milestone for the project.
Inland Rail contractor Martinus completed work across 11 sites on the Albury to Illabo section of the project during a weekend track possession.
Nearly 350 workers were mobilised, including over 100 workers on site at Edmondson Street for 24/7 construction activities.
Two 37-tonne excavators progressively demolished the bridge in three sections. After the deck was removed, crews took apart the brick abutments and then the central brick pier.
The new Edmondson Street bridge will be higher to allow sufficient clearance for double-stacked trains.
Inland Rail said that once complete, the bridge will deliver “significant benefits” for the community, including a “modern and safer design” with two traffic lanes in each direction.
It will also feature a more accessible pedestrian footbridge on the eastern side, and a new wider footpath on the western side.
Road closures will remain in effect in Wagga Wagga for about 18 months.
Ed Walker, Inland Rail Acting Chief Operating Officer, said: “The demolition of the Edmondson Street bridge in Wagga Wagga is a significant construction achievement.
“We’re now getting on with the job of building a new, modern, bridge, and we hope the community enjoys the benefits of the new design.”
He said a lot of careful planning has gone into the demolition of the Edmondson Street bridge, and he praised everyone involved in the safe execution of the possession.
“We also extend our thanks to the Wagga Wagga community for their patience and understanding while these important construction activities are carried out,” he added.
Gavin Murphy, General Manager Major Projects, Martinus, said: “The successful demolition of the Edmondson Street bridge is a testament to the depth of experience within the Martinus team.
“Complex, high-intensity possessions like this require months of planning and seamless execution on the ground.
“This milestone clears the path for construction of a new, modern bridge that will significantly improve safety, accessibility and traffic flow for the Wagga Wagga community.”
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