The system will be used to warn the train network when ships come too close to the Fremantle Rail Bridge. It is being installed in conjunction with new concrete buffers to absorb the impact of any collisions.
Western Australia’s transport minister Dean Nalder said that the work follows a spate of incidents involving ships at Fremantle Port over the years. Most recently, strong currents in August 2014 caused a container ship to break its mooring and crash into the bridge. The bridge, built in 1964 from steel and concrete, was closed for 12 days during inspections by structural engineers. In May 2011, the bridge had been hit by a refuelling barge.
“This early warning system will provide an extra level of safety by alerting the Public Transport Authority, giving them the ability to switch the signals to red and stopping trains from crossing the bridge,” said Nalder.
Installation will be completed in September 2016. Other protective measures under way include a US$16 million contract being carried out by York Civil and Marine & Civil to construct new concrete and steel bollards downstream from the rail bridge to absorb significant force in the case of impact by a vessel. The bridge’s piles are also being strengthened and the timber fender is being upgraded.
In parallel, Fremantle Ports is installing a shoreside system for continuous control of tension on mooring lines, reducing strain related to strong currents and wind. An extra LED message board is being provided to improve vessel navigation through the southern channel.
