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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I knew the guy who managed this bridge build in its original incarnation. I wonder if he has an opinion on the colour. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t give a rats. Props to whoever came up with the idea of using, or re-using this bridge.
Morgan said :
Got to admit I kind of like the grey industrial designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel look.
Has anyone considered the heritage considerations of repainting the Red Bridge Grey, and losing a highly significant piece of heritage architecture in our fair territory?
JessP said :
Sounds like a great plan. But please let it be red.
Let this be a lesson to us all – never throw away a bridge, you never know when it might come in handy.
Whoever thought of that needs a pat on the back, and all their bosses jobs.
It’s not often bureaucrats use their brain. Well done.
BenMac said :
I sometimes ride past there on the road as the path is going to take me out of my way and into crowds. Will I be able to get off the road onto this path, or will the barriers force me to remain on the road ?
EvanJames said :
Check box bureaucracy. Or, covering your arse.
“Environmental considerations have also been taken into account, with the proposed construction methodology and program chosen to ensure that nearby platypus burrows remain undisturbed.”
So, the massive erosion caused by the flood didn’t do any more damage than what stabilising Morshead Dr. would do?? They must do something to stop the rest of the hillside collapsing, so why not incorporate that into a new [stronger] bike path?
Bear in mind people, that this photo has been “tinkered with” to show wonderful green trees and shoreline, which didn’t exist prior to this point in time, and probably wouldn’t exist in the future after a flood as we have just experienced. There has to be tonnes of rock or soil poured into the area to create this footing for Morshead Dr. before any bridge can be placed. A lot of work and I bet not cheap, considering the location and access.
I see another leak in the taxpayers bucket, draining into LBG.
I’m not getting a warm fuzzy feeling at all.
PM said :
It was built in Tamworth, right?
Pork Hunt said :
… waving paint pots…
EvanJames said :
And with cooler weather coming on they could be guerillas in the mist…
PM said :
wow, you must be almost famous
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.
Be interesting to see how this works. Putting a pedestrian/cycle path in would serverely narrow the two lanes of west bound traffic. I rode along there yesterday (to avoid the damaged path) and it’s already pretty narrow.
EvanJames said :
I like
Once it’s up and painted, people could have some fun staging guerilla painting raids in the night.
I say let them repaint it, then we who are “in the know” can gain social capital by explaining to new arrivals and tourists why everyone calls it the red bridge.
It must be red!
And I like to think it was saved as a result of a Belconnen Community Council meeting… If I recall correctly, the meeting was told the Red Bridge was to become scrap.
PS – I know the son of one the blokes who initially built it!
Thumper said :
Another good comment.