Scenic Rim Council has completed the rehabilitation of Hinchcliffe and Sams Bridges using cutting edge technology from the United States.
By using Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FiRP) and specialised structural fillers, 13 girders were strengthened and two girders replaced on Hinchcliffe Bridge.
This was the most cost effective way of extending the life of the structure to service the immediate needs of the community. The rehabilitated bridge is considered to be stronger than it was when it was new.
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Mayor John Brent |
Mayor John Brent said this showed Council’s commitment to looking for alternative options that bring a cost saving to ratepayers.
“By using this technology we have rehabilitated the bridge to a safer and higher standard at a lesser cost than what it would be to replace the bridge while increasing the life of the structure,” Cr Brent said.
“Using this option minimised the impact on motorists and provided an improved load capacity for Hinchcliffe Bridge.”
The rehabilitation of Sams Bridge was also recently completed using a similar method including strengthening all girders, timber headstocks and two of the timber piles.
“As a result of these works, there is no longer a need for both of these bridges to have a posted load limit,” Cr Brent said. Timber Restoration Systems (TRS) were contracted by Council to complete works on both bridges.