Construction is starting on the new Umbagong Park bridge upgrades today after a safety audit revealed the popular running and walking bridges needed replacement.
“Three new pedestrian bridges within the Umbagong District Park will replace the timber bridges at the park, promoting safer, more accessible use for recreational activity,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“The new bridges will be made from steel structure with a rusted finish to complement the natural setting and colours of the Umbagong native grasslands, and ensures that people will still feel like they’re out in nature while using the park.
“Following feedback from the community, a lookout with seating will be built on the longer bridge closest to Latham which means its accessible for people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
“We are acutely aware of the environmental values within the Umbagong district park and we’ll be taking every precaution with the contract to minimise impacts during the construction works.
“I would like to thank the local community, including members of the Belconnen Community Council, the Umbagong Landcare Group and the Ginninderra Catchment group for their assistance in the design process, to make sure we can rebuild this fantastic community asset following the neccessary decommissioning of the previous bridges for safety reasons.
“This is the first significant upgrade to the bridges since they were constructed in 1986, and I’m sure these improvements will make the park safe and enjoyable.”
With site establishment starting today, we anticipate the two smaller bridges to open around the middle of the year, with the longer bridge and lookout set to open in Q3 2023 – weather permitting.
Early works and site establishment will include:
- survey (heritage and ecological)
- services location
- site compounds/facilities arrive (in carpark off Florey Drive)
- perimeter fencing and exclusion zones installed
- sediment and erosion controls put in place
- temporary access tracks, crane pad and creek crossings constructed.
Construction activities at each bridge include:
- Sediment and erosion controls
- Clearing of each bridge site e.g. removal of shrubbery and rubbish
- Construct temporary access paths, crane pad, creek crossings
- Bridge demolition
- Earthworks
- Structural works (footings and retaining structures)
- Bridge installation
- Installation of signage
- Landscaping (which will be carried out following the opening of the bridges).
