Ipswich Motorway Upgrade
Precast Arch & Structural Solutions
Background
As part of the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade between Wacol and Darra, the Department of Transport and Main Roads required a solution that balanced aesthetic and environmental benefits with the need to meet tight construction deadlines. The chosen site spanned Bullockhead Creek, a tributary of the Brisbane River and an important wildlife corridor, home to a significant population of eastern grey kangaroos.
The design needed to provide safe wildlife movement within the motorway precinct while accommodating a two-lane road, pedestrian and cycle paths, and access to local roads.
Key Challenge
The project team needed a structure that combined environmental sensitivity with fast and efficient construction. Conventional bridge and culvert options were unsuitable, as they could not achieve the required clearance envelope or meet project timeframes.
Delivering the Solution
A precast arch solution from Humes was selected for its efficiency and adaptability. Twenty-eight arch units were installed on an in-situ strip foundation, with wing and spandrel walls added to retain backfill, control water flow, and enhance the structure’s appearance.
The result was a 50-metre-long bridge completed in just one week, significantly reducing disruption. The system provided a customised clearance envelope, enabled safe wildlife passage, and supported multiple transport modes.
In addition, Humes supplied large box culverts, link slabs, noise walls, and reinforced concrete pipes, delivering a comprehensive solution that combined durability, environmental performance, and speed of construction.
