MELBOURNE, VIC. — One of the spans between piers 10 and 11 collapsed and fell 50 metres collapsed, falling 50 metres below. 35 construction workers were killed.
A Royal Commission attributed the collapse of the bridge to two causes: the structural design by Freeman Fox and Partners, and an unusual method of erection by World Services and Construction, the original contractors of the project.
Two years after construction on the bridge commenced, it was necessary to fix a height discrepancy. It was proposed that the higher side of the bridge be weighted down with 8 by 10 tonne concrete blocks. However, due to structural weakness, the bridge would not support the weight of the blocks.
The incident had considerable implications for Australia’s workplace safety laws. After the accident, workers were given greater input into workplace safety committees, gaining the right to question the wisdom and actions of their supervisors regarding potentially dangerous practices in the workplace.
The West Gate Bridge was completed in 1978 and spans the Yarra River in Melbourne. Its design is cable-stayed, consisting of several pillars, with cables supporting the road.
