Council builds smarter bridges

Council’s trade team are extending the life of Council assets around Townsville by working smarter with new, innovative and recycled materials.

Council has been replacing a number of aging footbridges in record time by taking the construction in-house, literally, with the team constructing modular footbridges in the warehouse at the Garbutt Operations Centre.

By utilising new and innovative products such as Replas recycled plastic and reinforced composite fibre, the bridges are built as modular units and craned into place, saving Council time and ratepayers’ money.

Chair of Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cr Kurt Rehbein said the new fibrous reinforced products were significantly lighter than using timber and steel and were uniquely suited to withstand the harshest environments.

“These products provide a low maintenance, long life asset to the community,” Cr Rehbein said.

“Another big advantage with this system is that it allows Council to build the bridges in our warehouse, not having to fight with nature’s elements.

Building a bridge onsite could take as long as 10 days, which means it is closed to pedestrians for at least that amount of time.

Now by building inhouse most of the time Council’s teams can leave the existing bridge in place until it’s time to crane in the new structure, minimising closure times.

“Council is passionate about our active transport network and creating connected communities, so it’s always great to be able to add to the liveability of our city,” Cr Rehbein said.

“The new products have a much better life span and I think that it’s great that we have been able to learn what products will offer best value for money over the life of the asset, plus termites don’t eat plastic.

“This approach is also an example of Council’s work to embed circular economy principles in the renewal of our assets.”

“Council is also passionate about our active transport network and creating connected communities, so it’s always great to be able to add to the liveability of our city.”

The team recently replaced a 10.2 metre pedestrian footbridge in Mount Louisa in a matter of days, craning the 3.4 tonne bridge into place, replacing the old timber asset which would have been significantly heavier.

For more information on current projects visit Council’s Current Projects page.