The City of Melbourne is investing $1.3 million this year to deliver upgrades to the Evan Walker Bridge, the historic Sandridge Bridge and the Birrarung Marr footbridge.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said a $496,000 project to fix the squeaky Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank has just been completed.
“We’ve installed 21,000 polypropylene support blocks under the surface of the bridge and 14,000 streel fasteners to tighten the decking planks and hold them in place,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The geometry and popularity of the pedestrian bridge had caused the planks to flex and make noise. This upgrade will deliver a much quieter walk for anyone who uses the Evan Walker Bridge.
“The works took four weeks to complete, with construction workers using a barge to access the underside of the bridge.”
Approval from Parks Victoria was required to close a section of the Yarra River to boat traffic for the works. The bridge was built in 1992 and it’s estimated that around 20,000 pedestrians use it each day.
The City of Melbourne will invest $250,000 to repaint Evan Walker Bridge early next year. Works are also being completed to replace some of the LED blue lights so the bridge is better illuminated at night.
The Lord Mayor said $165,000 will be invested in waterproofing works to the surface of the nearby historic Sandridge Bridge, with works set to start early next year.
“We are focused on delivering projects that enhance our public spaces along the Yarra River and Southbank,” the Lord Mayor said.
The City of Melbourne has also invested $390,000 to replace timber decking with fibre reinforced polymer decking on the Birrarung Marr footbridge between Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Park.
The Lord Mayor said the City of Melbourne is managing the challenges of population growth while making Melbourne a better place to live, work and visit.
“Melbourne is the fastest growing city in Australia and that puts pressure on our assets. That’s why we’re continually investing in our roads, cycling lanes, drainage and footpaths,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This year we will invest $166 million in renewal, upgrades and expansion and almost $13 million in maintenance works.”
“Along with the headline projects, it’s important we deliver day-to-day works and services for our ratepayers.”
The completion of works on Evan Walker Bridge follows the release of plans to upgrade a nearby 300 metre section of Southbank Promenade.
“The stage one works are designed to create more public open space outside Hamer Hall between Princes Bridge and Evan Walker Bridge,” the Lord Mayor said.
Summary:
• $496,000 on Evan Walker Bridge deck works
• $250,000 on Evan Walker Bridge repainting
• $165,000 on waterproofing Sandridge Bridge
• $390,000 on Birrarung Marr footbridge decking
