Territory and Municipal Services have the fascinating news that the iconic warehoused Belconnen “Red Bridge” is going to ride to the rescue of the Molonglo Reach bike path.
“Flooding arising from the heavy rain last week again damaged the interim pathway along Molonglo Reach, east of the Clare Holland House (ACT Hospice) which was restored for pedestrian use after flooding in December 2010. The ACT Government is investigating interim transit arrangements while pursuing a permanent solution for the pathway,” Mr Gill said.
“A study has been undertaken which has identified a preferred solution for the pathway. The proposed solution utilises the surplus pedestrian bridge from Belconnen Westfield to span the failed pavement. The bridge option is necessary due to the poor soil conditions along the river edge which make the replacement of the path difficult.
“The bridge, which previously connected the Belconnen Mall and Lathlain Street and was known locally as the ‘red bridge’, is intended to be painted grey and landscaping work undertaken to ensure the visual impact is minimised.
“Environmental considerations have also been taken into account, with the proposed construction methodology and program chosen to ensure that nearby platypus burrows remain undisturbed.”
During construction, all cyclist and pedestrian traffic will be diverted to a two-way protected path along Morshead Drive for approximately 270 metres. This path will be separated from westbound traffic on Morshead Drive by a concrete barrier. Due to the recent pathway damage it is anticipated that this detour will be introduced ahead of schedule.
Is there nothing that bridge can’t do?
Here’s an artists impression of what it will look like:
Sadly there’s a consultation process which sadly runs to 13 April instead of just cracking on with it.
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