A two-month maintenance project has started on a well-known Sunshine Coast bridge that is ultimately planned to be removed and replaced.
Remediation work is underway on the narrow Bli Bli bridge, a distinctive but ageing structure across the upper reaches of the Maroochy River near the town centre.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson detailed the initiative, which started on October 26.
“The Queensland government (has) commenced routine maintenance works on Bli Bli bridge on Maroochydore-Noosa Road,” they said.
“These works form part of TMR’s regular structures maintenance program to ensure the bridge remains safe and serviceable, with works expected to take about eight weeks to complete, weather and site conditions permitting.
“Most of the works will be carried out beneath the bridge using a temporary pontoon, which will see access maintained for motorists, bike riders and pedestrians for the duration of the works.”
Current maintenance activities include repairs and protective treatment to selected bridge piles and girders, as well as re-coating steelwork beneath the bridge.
There will be no bridge closures or traffic detours, including maintained access to the Bli Bli retail precinct and caravan park.
The work comes as the state government plans to ultimately remove the bridge and replace it.
Authorities released the proposed planning layout in November last year, with a new bridge planned to the north of the existing one to keep traffic moving during construction.
The current bridge will be removed once the new bridge is operational, but timeframes for design and construction are yet to be determined.
TMR has said, via a project webpage, that key features of the proposed new bridge include a wider bridge deck with two lanes of traffic (one in each direction), road shoulders and dedicated active transport facilities.
Active transport improvements include a wider path for pedestrians, bike riders and mobility device users on the southern side of the new bridge with active transport paths connecting to Bli Bli village and Muller Park.
The proposed planning layout includes the ability to convert the bridge to four lanes should traffic demands require this in the future. It stated that timeframes for future stages were unknown and will depend on future funding commitments and competing statewide priorities.
Impacts to waterway traffic during the next couple of months were expected to be minimal.
Maritime Safety Queensland issued a Notice to Mariners, on October 22, regarding the remediation.
“The works will involve transportable barges, dive support vessels, tender vessels and floating work platforms positioned around the bridge piles,” it said.
“Barges and associated equipment will remain moored at or near the bridge for the duration of the works and may be repositioned between the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge as required.
“Mariners must keep a proper lookout, pass the work site at slow speed with minimum wash, keep well clear of work vessels, barges, mooring arrangements and divers, and avoid impeding the works.”
