Client: City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and Town of Walkerville (Joint Project)

Location: River Torrens Linear Park, between St Peters and Gilberton, SA

Services: Heritage Bridge Refurbishment, Structural Strengthening, Pedestrian Infrastructure, Public Safety Works, Urban Renewal

Description:

Civil Tech Pty Ltd proudly delivered the complete refurbishment and restructure of the heritage-listed Gilberton Swing Bridge, located within the River Torrens Linear Park between St Peters and Gilberton.

Jointly owned by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and the Town of Walkerville, the bridge had served the community for nearly 100 years. Due to public safety concerns, both councils made the decision to temporarily close the structure to allow for essential upgrades.

Working in partnership with the Council, heritage advisor, and engineering consultants OPUS, Civil Tech undertook the careful demolition of the existing plywood and steel bridge and replaced it with a new structure comprising lightweight plastic decking on a CFT substructure, supported by twin 48mm steel cables. Innovative pier-and-pad footings were designed and constructed at each abutment, with over 25m³ of reinforced concrete at each end.

The Walkerville-side abutment posed significant challenges, requiring deep excavation and construction on a steep embankment nearly 4 metres below road level. Civil Tech collaborated closely with all stakeholders to finalise fencing, balustrades, and stair design, delivering the upgraded bridge in time for its formal reopening in January 2018.

This project won the 2018 CCFSA Earth Award for Best Small Project (under $2M), recognising Civil Tech’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community enhancement.