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Infrastructure Access Solutions (part of Alimak Group) was engaged to undertake a major inspection and engineering assessment of the powered under-deck gantries operating beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
These permanent access systems enable inspection and maintenance crews to safely access the bridge’s steelwork below the roadway, which is a critical component in maintaining one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of infrastructure.
The project required detailed engineering assessment of complex access plant operating in a highly constrained environment beneath an active transport corridor.
The gantries consist of integrated structural, mechanical, electrical, and control systems that must function reliably while supporting suspended access operations at height.
Working within strict safety and operational requirements, the inspection program needed to verify the integrity and performance of the systems while minimizing disruption to ongoing maintenance activities.
Infrastructure Access Solutions delivered a coordinated major inspection and certification program, combining in-house engineering expertise with specialist testing services.
The scope included comprehensive inspection of structural elements, drive systems, rolling components, electrical and control systems, and operator safety features.
Non-destructive testing of critical components was undertaken through a NATA-accredited laboratory, alongside functional testing of brakes, limit systems, and operational controls.
Infrastructure Access Solutions managed multiple specialist disciplines throughout the project, ensuring a structured inspection methodology and clear engineering documentation to support the certification process.
Through a detailed engineering assessment and coordinated inspection program, the under-deck gantries were verified for safe operation, restoring reliable access to critical areas of the bridge for ongoing inspection and maintenance activities.
The project highlights Infrastructure Access Solutions’ capability in delivering complex inspection and certification programs for permanent access and specialist maintenance equipment operating in demanding infrastructure environments.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most innovative transport links. Stretching 460 metres across the Brisbane River, it connects the suburbs of Kangaroo Point with the city center. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge supports Brisbane’s goal of creating a more sustainable and connected city.
The project was delivered by Brisbane City Council with design input from Connect Brisbane with Rizzani de Eccher, Dissing + Weitling, ASPECT Studios, Blight Rayner, Right Angle Studios, and Rowland, among others, and constructed by Besix Watpac.
During construction, workers needed to safely access the upper pylon structure of the bridge to install the cable stays. This required a temporary solution that could be removed once the work was complete and would not damage or change the final look of the bridge.
Infrastructure Access Solutions, working under the Manntech brand, was chosen to design and deliver a tailored access system for this purpose.
The team designed a one-of-a-kind custom Manntech BMU system featuring a central mounting platform known as a “crow’s nest” and two specially shaped cradles on elbow jibs.
These cradles allowed workers to move smoothly along the curved surfaces of the bridge structure. As the cradles travelled downward, they adapted to the changing profile of the pylon, providing full and safe coverage throughout the work area.
To avoid any permanent fixing into the facade of the pylon, tensioned cables were used to guide and stabilize the cradles during operation.
The entire system was mounted at the highest point of the bridge structure, offering a secure base for workers to carry out their tasks and later take the system down without leaving a mark.
Installing the system was challenging, as space at the top of the structure was extremely limited. With support from Besix Watpac’s expert crane team, the system was delivered by barge and lifted into place.
Much of the lifting was done at night to meet site requirements and coordinate with other ongoing work. To make the process more efficient, most parts of the system were assembled in advance.
Infrastructure Access Solutions was selected for their smart design approach, in-house installation team, and reliable project management. The access system made it possible to complete the bridge works safely and efficiently while protecting the clean, modern design of this important Brisbane landmark.
