Strengthening of the West Gate Bridge Approach Span, Melbourne

The West Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1978 linking Melbourne to the western industrial and residential areas. Known worldwide because of the tragic collapse of the main steel spans, the approach spans are receiving a new lease of life. The construction of additional approach lanes has lead to the need for an additional traffic lane on the existing bridge. As it wasn’t originally designed for more than 8 traffic lanes a design check was carried out comparing design loads against current legal vehicle loads. To avoid over stressing the structure the bridges approach structures had to be strengthened.