S Bridge Coating Works

The ‘S’ rail bridge is owned and operated by BlueScope Steel Limited and crosses Allan’s Creek within the Port Kembla Steelworks in Wollongong. The bridge is constructed using steel components and due to its proximity to the coastline, a number of these were exhibiting fairly significant corrosion.

In early 2015 Freyssinet Australia was appointed to carry out refurbishment via blasting and painting of various structural steel elements to safeguard ongoing durability.

A complicating aspect of the refurbishment was the presence of lead-based products within existing surface coatings which steered the project to implementation of strict environmental and health and safety control measures to ensure zero harm.

All works were carried out in accordance with Freyssinet’s Painters Contract Certification Program (PCCP) Class 5 which covers management of hazardous coatings containing heavy metal (lead).

The works were successfully completed by our site teams without injury or harm to the environment whilst also meeting our client’s expectations with respect to time and cost.