Pedestrian bridge spans river with pinpoint accuracy
Published on 22 June 2018
The new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the Seaport to the 'North Bank' park and recreation area reached an important milestone this week, when the final twin spans reached the Seaport side of the river with accuracy down to 1mm.
Piling works on the new bridge began last November by BridgePro Engineering with a total of 336 metres of piling driven into the river bed to a depth of 20 metres, before work moved off-site for the fabrication of the bridge superstructure by Haywards Steel Fabrication & Construction.
At 120m in length and with a width of more than four metres, the bridge consists of three spans the longest of which is 40 metres in length. The steel superstructure weighs approximately 79 tonnes and comprises 11 pieces.
In recent weeks these pieces have been lifted into position using cranes and barges, making for some spectacular sights on occasion near the Seaport. The final twin spans reached the Seaport side of the river on Monday evening.
Work is now underway on the decking and electrical works for the bridge. The stainless steel balustrade will have sensor lighting which increases brightness when people are detected crossing the bridge. The bridge will also include feature lighting, capable of displaying all colours and designed by JMG Engineering.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the construction of the bridge had been an engineering feat.
"The precision of the construction has involved accuracies of less than 1mm and it is a real credit to BridgePro Engineering and Haywards Steel who have designed and built the bridge," Mayor van Zetten said.
"It has been very exciting to see some of the gigantic spans being moved around on barges at the Seaport before they are lifted into position, and how effortless the BridgePro Engineering team have made this look.
"We're thrilled at the positive comments from the public about the aesthetics of the bridge, and we are looking forward to seeing it open sometime in July for people to use.
"Our focus will then shift towards the 'North Bank' park itself. We expect to have our landscaping contractors on site towards the end of July, which is when we also expect demolition works to begin on the old Boral plant.
"From there we'll be working to deliver the region's newest recreation destination, where people of all ages can gather, with the 12-m tall Sky Walk as its centrepiece.
"We're committed to delivering that project before the end of 2018.
"Shortly after Christmas people will not only be able to walk across this fantastic new bridge, but actually cross it to one of the best parks in Tasmania."