Major Inspection and Recertification of Under-Deck Gantries

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Infrastructure Access Solutions, part of Alimak Group, was engaged to undertake a major inspection and engineering assessment of the powered under-deck gantries operating beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These permanent access systems enable inspection and maintenance crews to safely access the bridge’s steelwork below the roadway, a critical component in maintaining one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of infrastructure.

The Challenge

The project required detailed engineering assessment of complex access plant operating in a highly constrained environment beneath an active transport corridor. The gantries consist of integrated structural, mechanical, electrical, and control systems that must function reliably while supporting suspended access operations at height.

Working within strict safety and operational requirements, the inspection program needed to verify the integrity and performance of the systems while minimizing disruption to ongoing maintenance activities.

The Solution

Infrastructure Access Solutions delivered a coordinated major inspection and certification program, combining in-house engineering expertise with specialist testing services.

The scope included comprehensive inspection of structural elements, drive systems, rolling components, electrical and control systems, and operator safety features. Non-destructive testing of critical components was undertaken through a NATA-accredited laboratory, alongside functional testing of brakes, limit systems, and operational controls.

Infrastructure Access Solutions managed multiple specialist disciplines throughout the project, ensuring a structured inspection methodology and clear engineering documentation to support the certification process.

The Result

Through a detailed engineering assessment and coordinated inspection program, the under-deck gantries were verified for safe operation, restoring reliable access to critical areas of the bridge for ongoing inspection and maintenance activities.

The project highlights Infrastructure Access Solutions’ capability in delivering complex inspection and certification programs for permanent access and specialist maintenance equipment operating in demanding infrastructure environments.