Essential maintenance works are underway on Brisbane’s historic Walter Taylor Bridge to ensure the structure can continue to be used by the community now and into the future.
The works are part of Brisbane City Council’s regular maintenance schedule for the 88-year-old heritage-listed bridge, and will include repairing joints and concrete, a full road resurfacing and waterproofing.
“The Walter Taylor Bridge plays an essential role in making it easier for people to get around and these works will ensure it can continue to be used by the community now and into the future,” said Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure, Councillor Andrew Wines.
“Brisbane would be unrecognisable without our iconic heritage bridges, and this work is important to preserve our history and keep this structure in service and keep Brisbane moving.”
More than $6.8 million has been invested in the Walter Taylor Bridge over the past five years with a further $2.2 million worth of maintenance work now underway. Deck slab joint repairs have been completed annually under full overnight closures for the past 10 years.
Scaffolding has been installed and early works are underway, and from tomorrow, the bridge will undergo a rare but required full closure – similar to works which occurred in 2013 and 199so the major scheduled maintenance works can be completed.
The Walter Taylor Bridge is planned to be closed from 9pm 13 September to 5am 30 September.
The highly technical works include removing the existing layer of road asphalt and resealing over 200 metres worth of concrete joints on the bridge deck, before applying a waterproofing layer and resurfacing the road.
A full closure is required to minimise vibrations on the bridge deck while the critical resin sealant sets and to reduce load limits while completing cable works.
The current works have been in planning for several months in consultation with the State Government Department of Transport and Main Roads, Translink, Queensland Rail, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Queensland emergency services.
“The complexity of these works mean they must be completed around the clock and the bridge cannot be in use as road vibrations and additional weight caused by traffic could jeopardise the final structural integrity of the works,” said Cr Wines.
“I know these works will mean many people have to temporarily change the way they travel, and I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we deliver this essential maintenance on this historical bridge.”
