With the first stage of works on the Brunswick Heads bridge timber upgrade now complete, Council has shifted lanes to begin the final stage of the project, due for completion late-July, weather permitting.
"This has been a difficult engineering feat and a fascinating one for everyone who has been watching on as this iconic bridge has been slowly pulled apart transformed from the bottom up, piece-by-piece," Council's Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
"We thank our contractors Timber Restoration Systems for their expertise and hard work to date on this complex project. The community has expressed their gratitude to Council for continued single lane vehicle access across the bridge to the much-loved Brunswick Heads beaches, especially during the pandemic," he said.
The next stage of works include closing the southern side of the bridge and opening the northern side. Closures were required over the weekend to prepare the bridge for traffic access on the northern side. Some night works will be necessary to complete work on the bridge's deck.
"We will be managing traffic across the northern side of the bridge much the same, with traffic controllers and temporary traffic lights.
"However, there will be no access to the bridge's pedestrian walkway during this next stage and we're asking people to use the Footbridge to the south, near the Terrace Reserve Holiday Park instead if they wish to cross over.
"Please note that we are planning night works one or two nights per week until stage two is finished and there may be some noise associated with this. We are notifying nearby businesses and residents about this and will also let people know when the night works are happening in advance on our electronic signage near the bridge," Mr Holloway said.
As each span of stage two is completed, the works will be finalised with the laying of a brand new hardwood deck across the full width of the bridge - greatly increase durability and the structural integrity.
Finishing touches will also include new timber barrier rails to be painted in the original heritage white, and a new asphalt pavement on the bridge approaches.
