Major Projects
Inverleigh
Federation Bridge in Inverleigh has reopened to pedestrians following works to repair the riverbank and bridge structure.
The riverbank at the base of Federation Bridge was heavily scoured from the October 2022 floods and repairing the riverbank was the first step to ensure the bridge is not damaged from further riverbank erosion.
The riverbank works included:
- Temporary river crossing for construction equipment and the placement of rock from the south side.
- The removal of a fallen river redgum which altered the river flow, causing erosion to the southern bank.
- Placing geofabric and rocks to protect the existing northern riverbank, the rock armouring better protects the riverbank and the bridge towers on the northern side.
- Removal of temporary river crossing and placing rock for newly scoured section on the southern bank.
The bridge repairs consisted of:
- Replacing the timber deck and kerb.
- Replacing the steel droppers so that the bridge deck level can be adjusted.
- Replacing all damaged and broken bolts and screws.
- Clearing out the bee hives and detritus within the southern towers.
- Painting the deck with a non-slip surface and treating all steel items for corrosion and repainting.
- Adjusting the level of the bridge so it is more comfortable to walk across.
The bridge is now ready to be used by the public, however it should be noted that it was never designed for horses and motorbikes as a crossing of the Leigh River.