The Arrival of a Giant Crane in Canberra
Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is currently witnessing a remarkable construction project that has captured the attention of many. A giant crane has arrived in the city to work on the Molonglo River Bridge project, setting new records and bringing a sense of awe to onlookers.
The Crane: A Marvel of Engineering
Standing at an impressive height of up to 143 meters, the crane surpasses the iconic Parliament House, which stands at 107 meters. The sheer magnitude of this crane is evident in the fact that it required more than 100 semi-trailers to transport its pieces to the construction site. The assembly process itself took nearly three weeks, showcasing the complexity and precision of modern engineering.
Key features of the crane include:
- Capability to lift steel beams up to 80 meters long, equivalent to the length of four basketball courts
- A lifting capacity of 1,600 tonnes, which is comparable to the weight of 260 elephants
As the crane gears up to assist in the construction of the new Molonglo River Bridge, temporary road closures have been implemented to ensure safety and efficiency in the lifting of steel girders into place. Spectators eager to witness this engineering marvel in action can do so from the Namarag Reserve carpark off Thancoupie Crescent, with a reminder to respect safety barriers and road closures for their own protection.
The Molonglo River Bridge Project: A Symbol of Progress
Once completed, the 200-meter-long Molonglo River Bridge will stand as the longest weathering steel bridge in Australia and the tallest road bridge in Canberra. This monumental structure is poised to enhance connectivity and support the rapid growth of the region, facilitating smoother transportation between suburbs in the Molonglo Valley, Belconnen, and other parts of Canberra.
The project, which commenced in January 2024, has already seen significant milestones achieved, including the realignment of the northern approach road to Coppins Crossing and the completion of the bridge’s foundation and substructure. Currently, the focus is on the construction of the superstructure, bringing the vision of a modern, efficient bridge closer to reality.
Noteworthy details about the Molonglo River Bridge project include:
- Joint funding from the Australian and ACT governments under the Commonwealth’s Investment Road and Rail Program
- Regular updates and information available on the Built for CBR website for interested parties
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