Client: Sydney Trains

Duration: 6 Months

Location: Sydenham, NSW

Brefni was tasked with restoring the Gleeson Avenue Overbridge at Sydenham, a five-span bridge built in 1911. The bridge, which carries four lanes of road traffic, had a severely corroded brick parapet on its south-east side, causing cracks and tilts. This damage was due to corrosion in the steel girders supporting the parapet. Temporary bracing was installed to mitigate risks, but a permanent solution was needed.

The project site, listed in the s170 Heritage Register and located within an environmentally sensitive area, required careful planning and execution. Brefni’s scope of work included demolishing and disposing of the existing brick parapet wall, removing the old footpath paving, and excavating to specified levels. New formwork, reinforcements, and concrete were supplied and installed to replace the old structure.

In addition to these structural repairs, Brefni fabricated and installed new safety and protection screens, ensuring the bridge met modern safety standards. The final touches included paving and applying architectural finishes to match the historical aesthetics of the bridge and its surroundings.

Brefni’s experienced team managed all engineering, site supervision, and coordination with specialist subcontractors. They provided the necessary labour, plant, equipment, and materials to complete the project as per the detailed drawings and specifications. The successful completion of this project not only restored the bridge’s structural integrity but also preserved its historical significance while enhancing safety for road users and pedestrians. This project showcased Brefni’s expertise in handling complex restorations within sensitive and heritage-listed sites.