The project presented multiple unique and demanding challenges, including management of environmental site conditions, significant structural degradation arising from Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR), and waste management that accounted for polystyrene cores from bridge plinths.

Demolition works consisted of removal of 68 prestressed concrete bridge deck units; relieving slabs; abutments; and three piers consisting of headstocks and 16 piles with pile encasements. The bridge needed to be removed in its entirety down to riverbed level, a factor complicated by strong tidal and current movements and severe tropical storms delivering over one metre of rain during the project.

The bridge’s location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which included the protected habitat of saltwater crocodiles within the work area meant demolition was conducted under strict environmental conditions. To manage these factors, DEMEX installed two custom designed, multi-layered floating blankets to prevent slurry and debris from impacting the waterway and local environment. Additionally, a custom designed and fabricated crocodile dive enclosure was used to allow underwater cutters to remove bridge piles at the riverbed