Bridge screen policy
Roads ACT is committed to the improvement of safety levels on bridges through a bridge strengthening (and replacement) program aimed at increasing load limits on bridges and the bridge safety screen program aimed at ensuring that the likelihood of accidents caused from an object thrown off a bridge at a vehicle passing below is minimised. For more information visit:
Bridge inspections
Bridge inspections ensure that bridges continue to function under acceptable conditions of safety and that they are maintained with an acceptable level of expenditure. Bridge inspections achieve these aims by monitoring the following:
- continually assessing the state of bridges to safeguard users
- recording current bridge conditions
- providing feedback on design, construction and maintenance
- checking the effects of changes in vehicle loading and traffic volume
- monitoring 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 frequency of bridge inspection is dependent on the condition and use of the bridge by regular and heavy vehicle traffic. In usual circumstances, a heavily used bridge will be inspected every 6 months, a less frequented pedestrian bridge for instance may be inspected once every 4 years. After an exceptional event, for instance if a vehicle hits a pylon, or after a flooding, a bridge will be given a safety inspection. New bridges and bridges that have been upgraded are also subject to a handover inspection.
If you discover any problems with the condition of any of our infrastructure please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Tharwa Bridge restoration
Tharwa Bride was first built in 1895 and is the oldest standing bridge in the ACT. Tharwa Bridge holds significant heritage value for the local Canberra region. In 1983 it was entered on the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission and in 1998 it was entered on the ACT Heritage Register.
Lighting the Malcolm Fraser Bridge
The Malcolm Fraser Bridge which spans the Molonglo River and Morshead Drive is installed with permanent coloured feature lighting along its 2 sides.
The bridge is lit up for a range of occasions throughout the year including national holidays and commemorative events.
Lighting of the Malcolm Fraser Bridge for commemorative events requested by the local community will be considered throughout the year.
For nominations and enquiries on lighting up the bridge please email the Streetlight Coordinator at TCCS.streetlighting@act.gov.au