Transport
Molonglo River Bridge
Location
Whitlam, ACT
Client
Federal and ACT governments
Status
In progress
About the project
BMD is delivering Canberra’s largest weathering steel bridge to date – the 200-metre Molonglo River Bridge, a key infrastructure link strengthening connectivity between the growing Molonglo and West Belconnen regions. The project also includes 1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads.
A key feature of the project was the bridge’s complex girder installation program, which involved 12 critical lifts of weathering steel bridge segments weighing up to 315 tonnes using Australia’s largest operational crawler crane.
The lifting program was underpinned by extensive planning, engineering and risk management processes, including digital lift modelling, independent verification, multi-party consultation and BMD’s Critical Lift Planning Framework. Through rigorous safety controls and collaboration, BMD successfully completed the ACT’s largest-ever heavy lift program with zero injuries, incidents or defects.
Project scope
Cast-in-situ substructure and composite weathering steel with reinforced concrete superstructure
Two abutments each bearing on 8 reinforced concrete piles, measuring 1.5 metres in diameter
Three 2.5 metre diameter pier columns encased in weathering steel liners, supporting a common 40-metre-wide headstock
Spans up to 80 metres, with a two-stage deck construction
Four separated plank bridges to create a pedestrian underpass
Twin viewing platforms over Molonglo Valley
Expanded off-road cycling and shared pedestrian and cyclist paths
1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads and two intersections
211,000 cubic metres of cut earthworks with balanced cut/fill management
On site production of structural treatments for various road materials
5 kilometres of drainage, including construction of 290 pits, and 8 kilometres of subsoil drains
116 kilometres of conduit through 4 kilometres of shared trench
Industry Awards
CCF ACT Earth Awards 2026, Project of the Year winner
CCF ACT Earth Awards 2026, WHS Civil Award winner
Related news
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Construction begins on Molonglo River Bridge
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Lift off for Molonglo River Bridge project
Construction on the landmark Molonglo River Bridge project in Canberra has reached a major milestone, with the first beams successfully lifted into place and phase one of girder installation now complete.