Bridge safety
Roads ACT is improving bridge safety through 2 programs:
- The bridge strengthening and replacement program aims to increase load limits on bridges.
- The bridge safety screen program limits objects thrown off bridges at vehicles below. Find out more about the program:
Bridge inspections and maintenance
Bridge inspections ensure that bridges are safe and appropriately maintained through:
- continually assessing the state of bridges to protect users
- recording current bridge conditions
- providing feedback on design, construction and maintenance
- checking the effects of changes in vehicle loading and traffic volume
- monitoring the long-term performance of structural elements and materials
- providing information for the management system
- providing information for load capacity ratings
- establishing a history of performance.
The condition and use of the bridge determines the frequency of inspections. Typically, a heavily used bridge is inspected every 6 months, but a less frequented pedestrian bridge is inspected once every 4 years. Bridges are also inspected after an exceptional event, such as flooding or a vehicle accident. New bridges and bridges that have been upgraded are also subject to a handover inspection.
Our team conducts regular maintenance in response to the bridge inspections.
If you find any problems with the condition of our infrastructure, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Significant bridges
Tharwa Bridge
Tharwa Bridge holds significant heritage value. It was first built in 1895 and is the oldest standing bridge in the ACT. In 1983, it was entered on the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission. It was entered on the ACT Heritage Register in 1998.
Tharwa Bridge received a major restoration and upgrade in 2011. It is also regularly inspected and maintained by specialised contractors due to its heritage value and engineering significance.
Malcolm Fraser Bridge
The Malcolm Fraser Bridge spans the Molonglo River and Morshead Drive. The bridge has permanent coloured feature lighting along both sides that can be lit up for a range of occasions, including national holidays and commemorative events.
The local community can request to light the Malcolm Fraser Bridge for commemorative events. Email the Streetlight Coordinator at TCCS.streetlighting@act.gov.au for more information.
Molonglo River Bridge
The Molonglo River Bridge is currently being constructed. It will be one of the longest weathering steel bridges in Australia and the tallest road bridge in Canberra.
Find out more about the Molonglo River Bridge project.
Monaro Highway upgrade
As part of the Monaro Highway upgrade, a new bridge is being built on the northbound road of the Monaro Highway, over Dog Trap Creek/Woden Creek. The new bridge will feature Indigenous artwork.
Find out more about the Monaro Highway upgrade.
