Swan Hill Bridge

Together with engineers WSP, Dissing+Weitling is engaged by the client Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to develop a new moveable bridge to replace the old Swan Hill Bridge (top photo) – which is nearing end of its serviceable design.

The new crossing is part of an ambitious new masterplan for the Swan Hill Waterfront and proposes to be built on the same alignment as the current bridge, known as the McCallum Street option – connecting border towns of Swan Hill in Victoria with Murray Downs in New South Wales, Australia.

The design

As bridge designers Dissing+Weitling played a key role in developing the suitable movable span concept design and artistic impressions for four different road alignments. The team has developed and presented several design options to the client. These diverse types of feasible movable spans have been reduced to a preferred type, and further developed into a strategic design level for each of four alignments.

Understanding of context

The design options for the proposed moveable span provide a careful understanding of the site context and considers the impact on community access and social value. The project team has also provided TfNSW with advice around the design development, operation, and maintenance of movable spans.

The design for the moveable bridge has two lanes for two-way traffic, a shared user path, pedestrian and disability access and capacity for various heavy vehicles and clearance for boats.

The project team provided advice on design strategies to protect the existing character of landscape, as well as consider how to minimize impacts on existing cultural heritage, biodiversity, water quality and more.

The end goal is to seamlessly connect the areas, increase accessibility for everyone while at the same time catalyze social cohesion through landmark placemaking.

The project will improve safety and meet long term future traffic needs of Swan Hill and the wider region while connecting communities and people.