Copperfield Bridge

Scope

Davbridge Constructions was engaged by Etheridge Shire Council to design and construct the new Copperfield Bridge over the Einasleigh River at Copperfield Gorge, including approach roadworks and drainage. The project involved building a new fifteen span bridge, about 160 m long, across a rocky river bed. The foundations comprised footings and cast in place foundations anchored to rock, using more than 1 km of passive rock anchors. The works then covered cast in situ abutments and columns, installation of 13 precast headstocks and the precast deck and kerb units, with about 408 m³ of structural concrete and 108.5 t of reinforcing steel. Additionally, the project required 240 m of approach roads and drainage. The project presented challenges such as founding a long, multi span crossing on rock in the gorge, and delivering materials and crews to a remote site. Located near Einasleigh in the Gulf Country of Far North Queensland, this remote project demonstrated Davbridge Constructions' ability to design and construct bridge infrastructure for regional councils while maintaining environmental, community and safety standards.