MEDIA RELEASE
Abigroup bridges port link
4 August 2008
The Diver Derrick Bridge, linking South Australia’s major port and rail
terminals to the national road and rail network, was officially opened on
Friday by South Australian Premier Mike Rann. Abigroup’s Southern
Region General Manager Rod Watson said that this road bridge is not only
a key piece of infrastructure for South Australia, but also of major
international engineering significance.
“Completion of this landmark engineering feat, Australia’s first four lane,
single leaf highway bascule bridge and one of very few with this design in
the world, places South Australia firmly on the international engineering
map”, Mr Watson said.
“But the greatest significance is the benefits that this bridge and the twin
rail bridge, the Mary MacKillop Bridge, will bring to the future of South
Australia. This includes an efficient trade route and improved travel
conditions for South Australians. Abigroup is proud to have contributed to
this future”, Mr Watson said.
Mr Watson said that working with South Australia’s Department for
Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) has been a rewarding
process. “Abigroup has had a great start in SA working with the
professional team from DTEI. It’s a relationship that I am sure we will
both benefit and prosper from in the future”, Mr Watson said.
The $143 million bridges required 1500t of steel and 6580m³ of concrete
to construct. The total length of the Diver Derrick Bridge is 300m,
features eight spans, a 43.7m/874t opening span and a 1052t
counterweight filled with concrete and steel billets. The Mary MacKillop
Rail Bridge has a total length of 770m with 35 spans, a 47.25m/555t
opening span and a 923t counterweight.
“Completing this project and others such as the landmark Channel 7
building in Hindmarsh has established Abigroup as one of the leading
construction companies in South Australia. Abigroup will continue to
invest expertise in South Australia through a number of major building
and infrastructure projects; most notably as a member of Axiom
Education, a private consortium led by ABN AMRO that includes United
Group Services and a local team of design professionals and education
specialists.
“Axiom aims to partner with DECS in a public-private partnership to
deliver Adelaide’s next generation of integrated modern northern
metropolitan schools”, Mr Watson said. “The 6 new schools will provide
children with better curriculum choices and a better start in life”.
Abigroup Contractors is one of Australia’s leading engineering and
building companies. Works are undertaken in areas including
roads, bridges, dams, rail, water, telecommunications and mining
infrastructure. Abigroup is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bilfinger
Berger AG, one of the world’s top ten construction companies.
[Ends – 435 words]
Further information:
Corporate Communications
Abigroup Limited
Ph (02) 9499 0999
Fax (02) 9499 3822
Email: abimail@abigroup.com.au
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