The rejuvenation of Logan’s Red Bridge is one step closer to completion with the unveiling of the first newly painted and restored span of the landmark historic structure.
And the eye-catching Waratah Red paint is already turning heads.
Motorists travelling over the Logan River on the M1 have this week been able to glimpse the first section of freshly painted steel as scaffolding and sheeting at the project site has come down.
Repairs to the steel and concrete elements of the structure have been carefully selected and executed to prolong the life of the bridge well into the future.
The structure has been a part of Logan’s history since 1931 when it opened as a toll bridge over the Logan River.
It then became part of the Pacific Highway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast until it was decommissioned as a roadway in 1986 after a new four-lane bridge was built.
It is now a pedestrian and cyclists’ bridge with access having been maintained throughout the restoration process which began in March.
The bridge has not only weathered over time but was built using now outdated methods and materials which had to be factored into Council’s repair efforts.
Logan City Council Roads and Water Director Daryl Ross said the effort to restore the bridge had been a tedious but rewarding task.
“We have used suspension scaffolding to get our engineers close enough to assess where repairs were necessary,” he said.
“This project isn’t just about a fresh coat of paint.
“We are making significant rectifications to structural elements that were showing signs of deterioration.
“Depending on the condition of each section of the bridge, different methods of repair have been used on the concrete, reinforcing and structural steel elements to not only restore the bridge but in some areas make it better than it ever was.”
Works have included stripping the steel of all existing paint and giving it new coats of primer and an anti-carbonation coating, which not only combats corrosion but ensures any graffiti can be more easily removed.
Mr Ross said the Red Bridge was an important element of Council’s Logan River Vision and the landmark is one of the highlights along the 70km water-based Logan River Trail.
“While older structures such as this one require more maintenance than modern bridges, there is still plenty of life left in this bridge,” he said.
“Council’s investment to keep it operational for many years more still represents good value against alternatives such as demolition and replacement.
“The Red Bridge is an important and recognisable piece of Logan’s history that we are excited to able to preserve for future generations.”
