West Coast Highway Overpass

Hera Engineering undertook a crucial role in the conceptualization and execution of a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road. This endeavor was intricately tied to the broader scope of the Scarborough Markets site redevelopment, reflecting the fusion of innovative engineering and urban planning.

Collaborating closely with Multiplex, Hera Engineering navigated the intricacies of the site, which presented notable constraints and challenges.

The architectural vision called for a pedestrian bridge that seamlessly integrated into its surroundings while adhering to stringent clearance requirements. Hera Engineering ingeniously embraced a pretensioned shell design, harnessing the structural integrity of upstand walls as primary load-bearing elements. This approach achieved remarkable structural efficiency, yielding an ultra-slim profile that harmoniously coexisted with the adjacent plaza level.

To bridge the span while ensuring unobstructed pathways and meeting Main Roads stipulations, Hera Engineering devised an ingenious strategy. Employing cantilevered foundations, one end of the bridge was supported by a lift core with expansive cantilever beams, while the other end found support in an architecturally distinctive ‘V’ shaped column with upstand balustrade walls. This groundbreaking design enabled a staggering 29-meter clear span, all the while maintaining an incredibly shallow 1.4-meter structural depth.

The logistical intricacies of transporting and lifting the bridge into place were meticulously addressed through comprehensive studies involving crane companies and transport logistics. With meticulous planning and meticulous weight optimization, the bridge installation was executed seamlessly, causing minimal traffic disruption for just a single night.

The concept was reviewed and received Main Roads’ approval. Furthermore, the design accomplishment came in significantly below the projected budget, underscoring the remarkable synergy between innovative design thinking and practical problem-solving that defined this project.