Design and construction of the Nan-Tien Bridge, a continuous Super-T bridge over Princes Motorway

Abstract

The Nan-Tien Pedestrian Bridge project involved the design, construction and commissioning of a new pedestrian footbridge over Princes Motorway near Wollongong NSW to link the Nan-Tien Buddhist Temple on the South side of the motorway with the recently built NanTien Institute on the North side of the freeway. One of the main guidelines for the overall Nan-Tien Institute development plan was to support and inspire learning and the pursuit of research and creative practice within a Buddhist framework. In this context the pedestrian bridge is the entry statement and the first architectural feature. Therefore, the aesthetics of the bridge, the incorporation of landscaping areas and a flowing safety screen were important. The large center span of the 112m long bridge required the preferred Super-T girders to be made continuous and integral with the piers. This presented various challenges for the design and construction of the bridge, the temporary works and the approval process. The main project challenges are discussed in this paper.