Reconstruction works on three pedestrian bridges will begin on Tuesday after a safety audit found they needed replacement.
Three new steel bridges will replace timber structures at Umbagong District Park in Belconnen, which have not be upgraded in nearly four decades.
The park is surrounded by the suburbs of Latham, Holt, Higgins, Macgregor, Charnwood, and Flynn.
Two smaller bridges are expected to be built by the middle of 2023.
The longer bridge should open in the third part of the year, weather permitting, the government said.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the new bridges would be more accessible.
"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," he said.
"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 it's accessible for people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs."
The construction would be the first significant upgrade to the bridges since they were constructed in 1986, the minister said.
Mr Steel also said the government was "acutely aware of the environmental values within the Umbagong district park" and would be minimising the impact of construction.
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.
- Source: ACT government
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).
- Source: ACT government
We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. See our moderation policy here.
