Award Winning – Seafarers Bridge
- The Seafarer’s Bridge in the Docklands, Melbourne spans from the New Convention Centre to Northbank. This contemporary, elegant bridge is supported by seven arch shaped steel structures that are linked to the deck below by steel cables. It is a dynamic example of structural expressionism.
- Focus Engineering and Construction entered in the Australian Steel Institute – ASI Victoria & Tasmania Steel Awards held in August 2010. Corowa based Focus Engineering and Melbourne Architects Grimshaws won the prestigious “Judges Special Award” for the building of the Seafarers Bridge.
Australian Steel Institute – ASI VIC & TAS Steel Awards 2010
Judges’ Special Award
Within the conditions of judging, the Judging Panel may also nominate an entry from any award category to receive a Judges’ Special Award.
This award has only been presented once before.
The project nominated to receive this Award in 2010 meets all the criteria of the categories entered as well as extensive attention to sustainability achievements.
Special features of the project are –
- The degree of difficulty attained whilst building over water (the Yarra River) and maintaining water traffic.
- Designing the bridge’s economic life of 100 years whilst safely accommodating the prevailing tidal range (1:100 year flood level) and any increase due to global warming.
- The project exists in a highly corrosive environment and as such the selection of materials for the finishes is central to the long term maintenance and sustainability of the structure.
- The fabrication approach allowed for the large scale arches to be factory fabricated in transportable sections and to erect the arches as complete structures on the arch bases.
The project is a combination of innovative design, environmentally sustainable technology and construction principles.
The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail was officially opened on Friday 1 June, 2012. The Trail is Victoria’s longest rail trail spaning some 134km from Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield, with a link between Cathkin and Alexandra. You can explore the rail trail on a bike, on foot or on horseback. The rail trail includes 39 new bridges, seven new car parks and amenities, eight water tanks and 17 rest stops, making it one of the longest continuous trail in Australia!
Located less than one hour from Melbourne, it meanders through beautiful countryside following the disused rail line. The Rail Trail promises many exciting adventures as it winds along the heritage-classified Goulburn River, through the Trawool Valley, on its way to the magnificent High Country. Towns and settlements along the way offer unique experiences and new places to explore, including historic landmarks and buildings, art galleries, museums, food and wine, shopping and markets.
- Many exciting adventures as it winds along the heritage-classified Goulburn River, through the Trawool Valley, classified by the National Trust for its scenic beauty, on its way to the magnificent High Country.
- Unique experiences and new places to explore, including: heritage features; towns and settlements along the way; historic landmarks and buildings; art galleries; museums; food and wine; shopping; markets and accommodation.
- Cheviot’s Tunnel, built in 1889, the longest rail trail tunnel in Victoria
- Trail variability
- Excellent accessibility via road and rail
- One of the longest rail trails in Australia
- Magnificent scenery; a beautiful trail. Offers close proximity to an amazing array of natural features such as rivers, lakes, ranges and mountains.
The project began in 2004 when the Mansfield, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires agreed to work towards developing a Concept & Business Plan covering Tallarook – Yea – Mansfield, including a spur line to Alexandra.
In mid-2009 funding of $14M was secured for the development and construction phase of the Rail Trail, of which $13M is from Federal Government funds and $1M from State Government funds and cash and in-kind resource allocation by all three Councils. It is scheduled for completion in December 2011.