In brief:

• A giant crane is helping to build the new Molonglo River Bridge.
• The crane will reach heights of up to 143-metres, it is one of the tallest cranes to ever come to Canberra.
• This article provides more information on the crane.

A giant crane has arrived in Canberra to work on the Molonglo River Bridge project.

The crane is one of the tallest to ever come to Canberra.

A crane enthusiasts dream

Standing at up to143 metres tall, the crane is taller than Parliament House, which is 107 metres high.

More than 100 semi-trailers were needed to deliver the crane pieces, and it took almost three weeks to build.

The crane is:
-capable of lifting steel beams up to 80 metres long – nearly the length of four basketball courts
-has a capacity of 1,600 tonnes, or the weight of 260 elephants.

To aid in the construction of the new bridge, Coppins Crossing Road is now closed for up to three weeks.

This will allow the crane to lift the steel girders into place.

To safely view the crane in action, park at the Namarag Reserve carpark off Thancoupie Crescent. Please do not go beyond barriers or stop on Coppins Crossing Road.

The Molonglo River Bridge Project

When completed, the 200-metre-long Molonglo River Bridge will be the longest weathering steel bridge in Australia and the tallest road bridge in Canberra.

It will support the growing region and better connect suburbs in the Molonglo Valley to Belconnen and the rest of Canberra.

Construction began in January 2024. Initial works included the realignment of the northern approach road to Coppins Crossing. The new temporary road opened in May 2024.

The bridge’s foundation and substructure are now complete. The superstructure of the bridge is being constructed.

The Australian and ACT governments jointly fund the project under the Commonwealth’s Investment Road and Rail Program.

For more information visit the Built for CBR website.

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