Bridge engineering – the making of Canberra’s Molonglo River Bridge
Opening in late 2026, Canberra's Molonglo River Bridge is set to become a vital piece of infrastructure, connecting the expanding Molonglo township with the broader city network. This impressive three-span trapezoidal box girder bridge will boast an 80-metre central span of weathering steel – making it the longest of its kind in both Australia and the southern hemisphere.
Replacing a flood-prone, low-level causeway, the bridge will serve as a major artery for road traffic, utility services, and future light rail integration, all while preserving the ecologically sensitive Molonglo Valley, a habitat for native platypus.
Designed by pitt&sherry in collaboration with COWI UK, the project overcame numerous technical and environmental challenges to achieve a design that is innovative, sustainable and constructable. This project, working collaboratively with BMD (the lead contractor for Infrastructure Canberra), GHD, and other partners, demonstrates how careful planning and innovative engineering can deliver sustainable, community-focused infrastructure.
In a recent article published in the Bridge Design and Engineering magazine, Irene Scott, Executive Director and Senior Principal Engineer at pitt&sherry, offers an in-depth look at the innovative solutions employed in the bridge's design and construction.
Images courtesy of BMG Group and the ACT Government.